• Athletics

Powell to blame trainer for positive test

ESPN staff
January 14, 2014
Asafa Powell has been suspended from competition since June © Getty Images
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Asafa Powell is likely to use the same defence as compatriot Sherone Simpson and blame his trainer for a failed drugs test as he bids to save his track career at a Jamaican Anti-Doping Committee hearing this week, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The former 100 metres world record holder has been suspended from competition since testing positive for the banned stimulant oxilofrine at the national championships in June. Simpson, his former training partner, failed a test for the same substance at the same event.

Simpson denied she was a drugs cheat at her own hearing last week, blaming the positive on nutritional supplement Epiphany D1. She claimed Chris Xuereb, a Canadian physical trainer hired by her agent, Paul Doyle, gave her the supplement.

Powell shares the same agent, and appeared as a witness at Simpson's hearing where he confirmed Xuereb - who had been staying at his house - had also given him supplements.

"After a few days he observed [I wasn't eating in the mornings before training] and told me that I should be taking better care of myself," said Powell. "It was then that he recommended the supplements."

Xuereb insists Powell and Simpson are "looking for a scapegoat", however, and that he provided the pair only with legal vitamins.

Simpson's hearing was adjourned until February 4, having not been completed within the two scheduled days last week. Powell's case will likely also overrun and resume next month.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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