Gatlin coach faces tough questions
Gatlin coach faces tough questions
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Tuesday, 01, Aug 2006 11:15
Trevor Graham, coach of Olympic gold medallist Justin Gatlin, could face a two-year ban from athletics if his star pupil is found guilty of doping charges.
Joint world-record-holder Gatlin tested positive for testosterone after a 4x100m relay in April and now has to explain the result to the United States Anti-Doping Agency next Monday.
If he fails to convince them of his innocence, his mentor Graham is unlikely to escape punishment despite his total denial of any involvement with illegal drugs.
There are now growing links between Graham and various athletes who have excelled under his tutorage before going on to leave the sport in disgrace.
As many as six other world champions - shot putter CJ Hunter, 400m stars Alvin Harrison, Calvin Harrison, Antonio Pettigrew and Jerome Young, and 200m athlete Michelle Collins - have tested positive for substances after working with Graham.
International Association of Athletics Associations spokesman Nick Davies spoke of the possibility that Graham could face sanctions as results of an investigation.
"Once we have enough evidence to prove it, we have the power to prosecute him. He would face a two-year suspension that is in line with the regulations in our anti-doping code," he said.
The growing controversy has also crossed the Atlantic as it emerged that one of Britain's brightest sprint stars, 17-year-old World Youth champion Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, is currently receiving training from Graham.