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    Team USA Sprinter Christian Coleman Reportedly Faces Ban for Missing Drug Tests

    Mike Chiari@mikechiariFeatured ColumnistAugust 22, 2019

    FILE - In this June 30, 2019, file photo, United States' Christian Coleman wins the men's 100-meter race at the Prefontaine Classic IAAF Diamond League athletics meet in Stanford, Calif. Olympic gold-medal sprint contender Christian Coleman could be subject to an anti-doping sanction for missing drug tests, The Associated Press has learned. Two people familiar with Coleman’s case told AP the sprinter faces a case involving three “whereabouts failures” over a 12-month period, which can be treated as a positive test. The people did not want their names used because cases are considered confidential. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
    Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

    Team USA sprinter Christian Coleman is reportedly facing a potential ban after missing multiple drug tests.

    According to ESPN, Coleman failed to partake in three separate drug tests over a one-year period, which can be treated as a positive test under the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's policy.

    Coleman won silver in the 100-meter dash at the 2017 World Athletics Championships, and he is considered a gold medal-threat at the 2019 World Championships and 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo should he be allowed to compete.

    While the 23-year-old Coleman finished second to fellow American Justin Gatlin in the 100-meter dash at the 2017 World Championships, he is the reigning national champion in the event.

    Coleman is also scheduled to compete in the 200-meter event at the World Championships in Qatar next month, but his status is in flux.

    Per ESPN, a missed drug test can be the result of not being present when a tester arrives or the athlete not providing their whereabouts to allow for a random test.

    A first doping violation usually results in a two-year ban, although there can be exceptions based on the circumstances surrounding the situation.

    Team USA Sprinter Christian Coleman Reportedly Faces Ban for Missing Drug Tests
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    Coleman has been viewed as one of the top candidates to replace Jamaica's Usain Bolt as the biggest superstar sprinter in the world.

    At the 2017 World Championships, Coleman finished ahead of the now-retired Bolt in the 100-meter dash on the heels of Bolt winning three consecutive gold medals in the event.

    If Coleman is banned, he will join Gatlin and Tyson Gay as high-profile American sprinters who have been suspended for doping over the past 15 years.