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United States – The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has announced the suspension of former American athlete Mike Powell, who has been banned from participating in or accessing any event under the umbrella of World Athletics.
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The decision responds to a breach of the safe environment regulations in athletics, although the organization has not offered more details about the case. In this way, Powell will not be able to be present at the Tokyo World Championships, which starts this Friday, nor in future official competitions. Powell, considered a legend in athletics, has held the men's world long jump record (8.95 meters) since 1991, achieved in a historic duel against Carl Lewis at the Tokyo World Championships. In addition, he was Olympic silver medalist in Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992, and later world champion in Stuttgart (1993). Since 2022, Powell has been working as a jumps coach for the Azusa Pacific University team in Los Angeles. However, the sanction also prevents him from accessing VIP areas, official accreditations, or private spaces related to any World Athletics event. The international organization's safeguard regulations allow for the imposition of preventive measures if there are grounds to believe that a person poses a risk to other members of the athletic community. Powell may appeal the decision; however, in the meantime, the suspension remains in effect.
