Kingston, Jamaica: Jamaican sprint star Asafa Powell could learn his fate before a Jamaican anti-doping panel in two weeks after a hearing in his case resumed on Wednesday.
A Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) hearing that was halted in January resumed but remained unfinished after Powell’s attorneys wanted the chance to cross-examine an anti-doping expert now working at the Sochi Winter Olympics.
Powell, a former world 100-metre champion, tested positive for the banned stimulant oxilofrine after the 100m final at the Jamaican national championships last June 21.
Powell, who set a world record in the 100 metres in 2008 with a time of 9.74 seconds, blames physical therapist Chris Xuereb for the positive test, saying he provided the nutritional supplements that resulted in the positive test.
JADCO and Powell’s attorneys agreed to a final submission of evidence on February 26 but only after Powell lawyer Kwame Gordon objected to a report labelled “very, very significant” by Jamaica Anti-Doping Agency attorney Lackston Robinson.
Christiane Ayotte, director of Montreal’s anti-doping laboratory, had analysed the report.
“We don’t think it should be entered [into evidence] at this stage because our witness would not get the chance to reply,” Gordon argued.
The report from an American laboratory was ordered by Powell’s team seeking clarification that oxilofrine was indeed contained in the Epiphany D1 supplement taken by Powell.
Gordon also said if the report was rendered into evidence, Ayotte must be available for cross-examination, a feat JADCO said would be difficult since she is working on the other side of the world at the Sochi Winter Olympics.
Gordon instead offered to have his expert, Wayne McLaughlin, analyse the document and submit his findings in writing when the hearing resumed in two weeks.
