- American sprinter Justin Gatlin set to be investigated by Athletics Integrity Unit
- His entourage are said to have offered to smuggle prescription drugs
- Undercover reporters claim they were offered the service for £187,000 by former Olympic gold medallist Dennis Mitchell and agent Robert Wagner
Justin Gatlin, pictured, who has twice been convicted of using banned substances, is set to be investigated by the Athletics Integrity Unit
Athletics world champion Justin Gatlin is facing a new doping probe after members of his team allegedly offered to supply performance-enhancing drugs.
The American sprinter, who has twice been convicted of using banned substances, is set to be investigated by the Athletics Integrity Unit.
His entourage are said to have offered to smuggle prescription testosterone and a human-growth hormone acquired under a false name to the US.
Undercover reporters for The Telegraph claim they were offered the service for £187,000 by former Olympic gold medallist Dennis Mitchell and athletics agent Robert Wagner.
The journalists posed as representatives of a film company wanting to make a sports film who were looking for a coach to train their star to look like an athlete.
Mitchell and Wagner are said to have claimed that the use of banned substances in athletics is still widespread – with the agent even saying that Gatlin himself had been taking performance-enhancing drugs.
Gatlin has strongly denied the allegations and lawyers for the sprinter announced on Monday night that he had sacked his coach.
A spokesman for Gatlin told MailOnline: ‘Justin has gone through a litany of allegations before and this isn’t anything he’s got himself involved in.’
Gatlin – who was banned for doping in 2001 and again in 2006 – was booed by spectators in August this year after his controversial win over favourite Usain Bolt in the World Athletics Championship.
Undercover reporters for The Telegraph claim they were offered the service for £187,000 by former Olympic gold medallist Dennis Mitchell, pictured, and athletics agent Robert Wagner
His reputation tarnished his gold medal at the London Stadium on what was meant to be Bolt’s emotional farewell to the sport in the eyes of some fans.
Gatlin and the USA team were pipped for gold by Great Britain in the 4x100m relay.
Since returning to the track Gatlin has claimed to be clean and has offered to release data from tests in the past five years.
Lord Coe, the IAAF president, said: ‘These allegations are extremely serious and I know the independent Athletics Integrity Unit will investigate in accordance with its mandate.’
The US Anti-Doping Agency told The Telegraph: ‘Investigations stemming from tips and whistleblowers play a critical role in anti-doping efforts.