Share

Coleman 'missed tests' case not good for sport - Coe

Zurich - IAAF President Sebastian Coe admitted on Thursday the doping test violations that US sprinter Christian Coleman is alleged to have committed are "not a good story" for the sport.

But Coe told AFP in an interview ahead of the Zurich Diamond League meeting the case showed that missing tests was taken seriously.

Coleman, this fastest man in the world this year over 100m, could face suspension after failing to make himself available for three drugs tests over the past 12 months.

It means Coleman would be forced to miss the IAAF World Championships in Doha later this year.

"It's not a good story but actually it does show the rest of the world we do take it seriously," Coe said.

"The whereabouts is a very serious element of the anti-doping discussion. I don't want to speculate.

"He's a phenomenal athlete and I will let this process run its course."

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) says Coleman had been notified of a potential anti-doping rule violation for failing to properly file information about his availability for tests.

A panel is due to hear his case with a decision due by September 5.

Coleman told former Olympic sprinter Ato Boldon in an interview for NBC Sports last week that he was confident he would be cleared.

"I am confident the upcoming hearing on September 4 will clear the matter and I will compete at the IAAF World Championships in Doha this fall," Coleman said.

"I'm not a guy who takes any supplements at all, so I'm never concerned about taking drug tests, at any time."

Coleman was second at the 2017 worlds in London behind fellow American Justin Gatlin and has run 9.81 this year.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1118 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1284 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1979 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE