KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC- Former 100m world record holder, Asafa Powell, was yesterday expected to begin his defence after testing positive for an illegal substance last year.
Powell, a two-time World Championships bronze medallist, was due to begin explaining the circumstances behind last summer’spositive drug test, to a Jamaica Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel hearing at the Jamaica Conference Centre.
Powell has pointed to a range of newnutritional supplements given to him by Canadian physical therapist Chris Xuereb, with whom he had been working for two months prior to the national championships last year.
The 31-year-old was among five Jamaicans – including his former training partner Sherone Simpson – who tested positive at the championships.
Simpson, who also received supplements from Xuereb, also tested positive for Oxilofrine, with several tests showing that the stimulant was present in one of those supplements, Epiphany D1.
Simpson’s hearing has been adjourned until February 4 and 5 after two sessions January 7 and 8.
Powell, who actually testified for 10 minutes during Simpson’s hearing, will be represented by attorneys Kwame Gordon and Danielle Chai.
Powell has denied intentionally taking a banned substance and has vowed to clear his name.