KINGSTON, Jamaica — Former 100-meter world record holder Asafa Powell has been banned for 18 months.
The 31-year-old sprinter tested positive for the banned stimulant oxilofrone at Jamaica’s national trials
last June. He’s been suspended from competition since his doping case was disclosed in July.
A panel of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission announced their decision Thursday in Jamaica’s capital.
Powell’s ban begins from the date of his sample collection on June 21, 2013. That means he’s eligible to
return to competition on Dec. 20.
Like former teammate Sherone Simpson, Powell had placed the blame on a physiotherapist who supplied them
with supplements. Earlier this week, Simpson was banned until Dec. 20.
Powell lowered the world record in the 100 to 9.74 in 2008 before being eclipsed by countryman Usain
Bolt.