American sprinter and 100m Olympic champion Justin Gatlin

Gatlin's coach, Trevor Graham, said July 30 that the Olympic and world champion and co-world record-holder in the 100 meters was the victim of a setup by a massage therapist.

Graham declined to name the therapist, saying he did not want to jeopardize the case.

On July 30, Gatlin acknowledged he had been informed by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency that he had tested positive for testosterone or other steroids in April. The revelation came days after Tour de France champion Floyd Landis' victory was questioned for allegations of similar doping violations.

Gatlin said he did not know why the test came back positive and promised cooperation with USADA, as it continues with the case.

If Gatlin is proven guilty, his world record would be stripped. He tied Jamaican Asafa Powell's mark (9.77 seconds) in the 100 meters in May, after the positive test.

The Japan Times Weekly: Aug. 5, 2006
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