Paradox. A few weeks before the World Athletics Championships in Doha, where the Russians will still not be able to compete under their own colors, due to the suspension of their federation, a doping affair is shaking up the discipline. It concerns an athlete from the United States, whose national anti-doping agency has never failed to point the finger at Russia and its slip-ups.
The key player in the affair is not insignificant. Christian Coleman, 23, leads the world record in the 100m. He even holds the two best times of the season (9 sec 81 and 9 sec 85). Champion and world record holder in the 60m indoors, he is the favorite for the 100m world title next month in Doha.
The only problem, but a big one: the American might never see the Worlds in Doha. And even, who knows, the Tokyo Games in 2020. According to Daily Mail, Christian Coleman is said to have missed three doping controls in the last twelve months. If confirmed by the IAAF, by the American Track and Field Federation (USATF), or by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), these three “ no-show” would result in his suspension for a period of up to two years.
Still according to the British daily, the 100m world vice-champion in London in 2017 (he was beaten by his compatriot Justin Gatlin, himself sanctioned for doping earlier in his career) disputes at least one of the three missed tests .
Christian Coleman and his lawyers argue, in their defense, that two separate control bodies carried out the tests. The matter is currently being discussed between the athlete's lawyers, USADA, WADA and the Athletics Integrity Unit, now in charge of the IAAF's anti-doping policy.
The various stakeholders have so far refused to make any comments. But the Daily Mail relies in its investigation on sources known as “ high level ".
At this stage, nothing has yet been achieved, in one camp or the other. THE Daily Mail recalls the case of British cyclist Elizabeth Armistead, Olympic vice-champion in London in 2012, who was also sanctioned for three “no-shows”. After contacting the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), she managed to have one of her missed tests canceled. The Briton was thus authorized to compete in the Rio Games in 2016.
Christian Coleman has not yet been removed from the 100m entry lists for the Doha World Championships. He will not only have to contest the suspension procedure, but also fight to restore his reputation. Presented for two years as the successor to Usain Bolt at the top of world sprinting, the American signed a 2017-figure sponsorship contract with equipment manufacturer Nike in 7.
