Agent: Steve Mullings has been contacted

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

John Regis, the United Kingdom-based agent of embattled Jamaican sprinter Steve Mullings, yesterday confirmed to The Gleaner that his client has been informed of an adverse analytical finding from a recent drug test carried out at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association/Supreme Ventures National Senior Champions-hips earlier this year.

Mullings, who won the 200m and finished third in the 100m at the recent trials inside the National Stadium, reportedly tested positive for an unnamed prohibited substance, which is believed to be a masking agent - used to conceal the presence of anabolic steroids or stimulants, during the exercise carried out by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO).

In the meantime, JADCO yesterday released a statement confirming that they have " ... received an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) from a sample collected at the Jamaica National Trials", but stated that the organisation could not "release any detail on the athlete and the nature of the violation until the results management process has been completed".

Despite confirming that the athlete has been notified by the local authorities about the finding, and that he has been in contact with the sprinter, Regis declined to say much more on the matter at this time.

The London-based agent would not comment on the steps to be taken by his team, given the developments, and also refused to state whether or not it will be requested that the 'B' sample be tested.

Assessing the situation

He did, however, note that they are currently assessing the situation and will make a statement shortly.

"You know I can't say anything at this point, but yes, he has been contacted and that is pretty much all that can be said at this point," said Regis during a telephone interview yesterday morning. "Yes, I have spoken to him since then.

"Until we know exactly what the score is, so to speak, neither myself nor Steve (Mullings) will be able to make any comments to the media at this point," Regis added. "When something absolutely needs to be said, we will then make a statement, until then, I have no further comments."

These reports come as another blow to the country's reputation, as it is the latest in a list of doping violations and suspensions involving Jamaican athletes.

Mullings was expected to be named in Jamaica's team to the IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Daegu, South Korea, later this month and was also regarded by most as a serious medal prospect, as he was down to figure in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay team.

This is the athlete's second run-in with doping authorities, after being banned for two years in 2004, after failing a test at the 2004 Olympic Games trials, with higher-than-normal levels of testosterone found in his system.

If the impending investigations confirm any ill-intent or any attempt to gain an unfair advantage on his part, it could mean the end of the sprinter's career, with a minimum four-year ban on the cards.

In an interview with The Gleaner in May of this year, Mullings blasted those who doubted the credibility of his times because of his earlier setback and underlined that he had moved beyond the incident.

"You know what, it seems as if everyone cast a shadow over my head because of that incident. I don't see where that should be a concern when it comes to me proving my talent. People always try to throw that in my face, and I have overcome all the rumours and negative slander that were bestowed upon me. I am very determined and I have a strong support system that would not want to see me fail or think about people's words and their badmind towards me. I put all of that behind me, and what I am thinking about now is the future," Mullings said at the time.

Mullings' 9.80 seconds clocking recorded in Eugene, Oregon, in June is the third-fastest time over 100m this year, while his 20.11 seconds 200m season's best makes him the fifth-fastest man over that distance.