Gabby Thomas, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and the doping tensions dividing sprinting

As women’s sprinting enters a golden era in the run-up to LA 2028, controversy surrounding a top coach threaten to overshadow the sport’s biggest stars

When Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas came second at the recent track and field World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, she tried her best to be diplomatic: “I am an equal-opportunity doping hater,” she said. “If you are actively doping in sport, I do take issue with that. I’m not saying any names, no names are mentioned. But if you look at yourself and you think that’s what you’re doing, then so be it.”

Thomas then went out of her way to congratulate her compatriot Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who finished ahead of her that day, aware of the territory into which she was straying.

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