Twitter speaks on Mullings

Leighton Levy, Gleaner Writer

News of Steve Mullings' failed drug test has been spreading like wildfire across the social-media networks, with several athletes and former athletes expressing their opinions and observations alike.

Mullings, who was shaping up to be a medal contender in the short sprints at this month end's IAAF World Athletic Champion-ships set for Daegu, South Korea, tested positive for a masking agent following a test administered at the National Championships held between June 23 and 26 at the National Stadium.

The 28-year-old Mullings, who trains under Lance Brauman in Clermont, Florida, along with Jamaicans Nickel Ashmeade and Ramone McKenzie, as well as American record holder Tyson Gay, excited the world of track and field this season with fast times - 9.80, 9.93, 9.95 and 9.98. He was also expected to feature in Jamaica's powerful sprint relay squad after he finished third in the 100 metres and won the 200 metres at the championships.

As such, the positive test has sparked much debate on the popular Twitter and Facebook networks.

Former Trinidadian sprint star Ato Boldon, who does work as an analyst on NBC and Universal Sport, saw the positive test as a sign of things to come. "Blood tests for everyone in Daegu. Glad to hear it. Enough is enough," he tweeted.

American 110-metre hurdles medal contender David Oliver tweeted in response "Good, wonder how many pull-outs there will be." Oliver later tweeted that he had just completed a drug test but wished that the IAAF did not release the information of blood testing at Daegu so soon. Now that they had, "look at athletes scatter like roaches when the lights come on".

Encouragement

On Facebook, many friends and fans have come to the support of the embattled sprinter with words of encouragement.

Florida-based Michael Hancock had this to say: "The thing is real fans accept a person for the good and the bad ... I don't know how you feel at this moment, but I'm still a fan regardless ... praying for you!!!"

Kirk Frankson and Jerome 'Grung Plane' Morgan, both Jamaican residents, posted their belief that the country is in full support of the sprinter despite the latest developments.

Frankson posted, "Jamaica still a support you," while Morgan added, "No watch dat, Jamaica a pray fi you me boss."