The US Anti-Doping Agency announced that Gay's one-year ban began June 23, the day his sample was collected at the U.S. championships. His sanction is subject to appeal by International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) and by the World Anti-Doping Agency, USADA said Friday.
As part of the penalty, Gay, the American record-holder in the 100, also accepted loss of results dating to July 15, 2012, the date of when he first used a product that contained a banned substance. He was a member of the relay team at the London Games that finished second to a Jamaican team anchored by Usain Bolt. The Americans set a national record with a time of 37.04 seconds. Gay has given his medal back to the United States Olympic Committee.
USADA said in a statement that upon receiving notification of his positive tests, Gay voluntarily withdrew from all competition prior to the 2013 world championships in Moscow and has not competed since.
The 31-year-old Gay could've been given a penalty twice as long, but received consideration after assisting USADA in the investigation into his positive test. USADA said he tested positive for the presence of an exogenous androgenic anabolic steroid.
Gay was at the top of his game at the 2007 world championships in Osaka, Japan, capturing gold in the 100, 200 and 400 relay. That was just before the emergence of Bolt, who's dominated the sprint scene ever since.
Before last season, Gay's test results never raised any red flags. He even took part in USADA's "My Victory" program — in which athletes volunteer for enhanced testing to prove they're clean.
He tested positive out of competition last May. A month later, Gay recorded a positive at the U.S. championships, where he won the 100 and 200 meters, and was notified. He surrendered his spot at worlds.
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