Former Olympian and coach Phiri suspended after athletes test positive

Zambian former Olympic sprinter and current USA Track amp; Field coach Gerald Phiri has been provisionally suspended after three athletes coached by him tested positive for the prohibited substance cardarine, the Athletics Integrity Unit said on Tuesday.

Phiri was suspended as part of an open joint investigation with the United States Anti-Doping Agency.

The AIU also alleged that Phiri committed anti-doping violations as an athlete as well, for the possession of the metabolic modulator cardarine in 2018 and 2019.

Phiri, 36, is also alleged to have possessed meldonium, another metabolic modulator, as an athlete support person in 2024 and failed to cooperate with the investigation by providing false and inaccurate information, the AIU said in a statement.

Phiri has been provisionally suspended as of 17 March 2025. In accordance with the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, he has the right to make a written submission to the AIU to lift his provisional suspension, the AIU added. REUTERS

Join STs Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.