Tyson Gay has been banned for a year by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for use of an anabolic steroid.
His ban starts from when he first tested positive for the banned substance, which dates back to the 23rd June last year at the US Championships. This means the sprinter is free to compete from as early as next month.
In response to his doping ban, his results since 15th July 2012 have been nullified, which includes his world leading time of 9.75 seconds last year.
Gay has also returned the silver medal he won in the 4x100m in 2012. Unfortunately, his team mates Justin Gatlin, Ryan Bailey and Tell Kimmons are also set to be stripped of their medals, with Trinidad & Tobago now taking second, and France promoted to the bronze medal position.
The ban would have been lengthier, but USADA chose to be lenient due to the 31-year-old’s cooperation throughout their investigation. Usada chief executive Travis Tygart stated:
“We appreciate Tyson doing the right thing by immediately withdrawing from competition once he was notified, accepting responsibility for his decisions, and fully and truthfully co-operating with us”.
Gay made a tearful confession last year, admitting:
“I don’t have a sabotage story… I basically put my trust in someone and was let down.
“I hope I am able to run again, but I will take whatever punishment I get like a man.”
Reports suggest that Gay was referring to an anti–ageing cream he believed was legal, which he started using from July 2012.
Gay’s positive test was announced on the same day as Asafa Powell’s who received an 18-month ban for ingesting oxilofrine, a banned substance.
