New details about one of Tyson Gay‘s positive drug tests were reported Friday.
The BBC reported it obtained “extracts of a letter sent to Gay” by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency indicating the U.S. record holder in the 100 meters failed at least one drug test because of the presence of a steroid.
Gay admitted to failing an out-of-competition drug test May 16 in a teary phone interview with The Associated Press in July, the only comments Gay has made in the last two months. The AP learned later in July that Gay also failed a test at the U.S. Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, in June. Neither Gay nor USADA have said what substance or substances Gay tested positive for.
Extracts of the letter the BBC obtained pertain to the June test.The letter, dated 23 July, states: “Using the Carbon Isotope Ratio Analysis it reported that the sample had an adverse analytical finding reflecting values that are consistent with the administration of a steroid of exogenous [external] nature.”
The letter goes on to say that a positive test for an “anabolic agent” of this kind would - if proven - be a violation of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) code.
Gay pulled out of the World Championships in July. He is under provisional suspension and will face a disciplinary hearing in the coming weeks, according to the BBC. He could face a maximum two-year suspension. USADA refused comment on whether Gay tested positive for a banned steroid, according to the BBC.
Gay told the AP in July, “I basically put my trust in someone and I was let down,” and declined to name who that person was.
Sports Illustrated reported in July that Gay, 30, had been treated by an anti-aging specialist before the 2008 U.S. Olympic trials, where he made the Olympic team in the 100 meters.
Gay finished fourth at the 2012 Olympics in the 100 and was part of the U.S.’ silver medal-winning team in the 4x100 relay. He was the world’s top sprinter in 2007, sweeping the 100, 200 and 4x100 relay at the World Championships that year.