Justin Gatlin

An undercover journalistic investigation recorded agent Robert Wagner and coach Dennis Mitchell discussing ways of obtaining or concealing performance-enhancing substances. Gatlin denied any current doping and parted company with Mitchell. A subsequent disciplinary decision concerning Wagner noted the absence of evidence corroborating the suggestion that Gatlin was doping at the time.

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

Gatlin defeated Christian Coleman and Usain Bolt to become 100 m world champion in London. Some spectators booed him, reigniting debate over the place of athletes who have served suspensions and the possibility of sporting rehabilitation.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Gatlin's return to the highest level, producing some of his career's best performances after the age of 30, revived criticism concerning the lasting benefits of past doping. Gatlin publicly challenged the "two-times drugs cheat" label.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Directly implicated

When his suspension expired, Gatlin returned to competition, but several major European athletics meetings refused to offer him a place, forcing him to resume at smaller events.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

An arbitration panel ultimately set Gatlin's suspension at four years, until 24 July 2010. Appeals seeking a further reduction were unsuccessful, making this the effective sanction.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Gatlin tested positive for testosterone or its precursors following a test on 22 April 2006. He accepted the analytical accuracy of the test and its classification as a violation, while denying knowingly using a prohibited substance.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Because of the 2006 violation, his results from the date of the test were disqualified, including the 9.77 seconds achieved in May that had equalled the 100 m world record.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

USADA and Gatlin announced an agreement providing for an eight-year suspension. The penalty avoided a lifetime ban, notably because of his cooperation and the particular circumstances of his first violation in 2001.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Gatlin tested positive for an amphetamine while taking medication prescribed since childhood for attention deficit disorder. The violation was upheld under strict liability, but the authorities accepted the medical explanation and reinstated him before the initial suspension had expired.

Attribution

Directly implicated