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GOTEBORG, Sweden –- Trevor Graham, coach of Olympic 100 meter champion Justin Gatlin, is being investigated by the International Association of Athletics Federations, the sport's international governing body.
"The IAAF wishes to confirm that it is investigating, in conjunction with its partner, the United States Anti-Doping Agency, the activities of coach, Trevor Graham," the organization announced in a statement issued today. "If evidence exists, either from the ongoing Balco investigation or otherwise, that Graham has engaged in doping practices in breach of IAAF Rules, disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against him through USADA."
At least nine past and current athletes coached by Graham have been handed bans after having tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Gatlin, the co-world record holder in the 100 and the reigning world champion in the 100 and 200, faces a lifetime ban after testing positive for testosterone at the Kansas Relays in April. Gatlin's case was expected to be reviewed this week by a doping review panel. Since rising to international prominence two years ago, Gatlin has repeatedly supported his coach.
The IAAF statement emphasized that "notwithstanding the investigation into Graham’s activities, the eligible athletes whom he coaches remain free to compete in the remaining World Athletics Tour meetings in 2006 upon invitation from the relevant Meeting Organizers."
Graham, who was banned from using U.S. Olympic Committee training facilities last week by the USOC, prompted the investigation into the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative three years ago when he anonymously provided a syringe containing the steroid THG.
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