Asafa Powell to run in France before CAS hearing

PARIS (AP) — Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell will run in France on July 5, days before his doping hearing at sport’s highest court.

The organizers of the Paris Diamond League meeting confirmed his participation on Tuesday. Powell is free to compete pending the outcome of his doping appeal.

A former world record-holder in the 100 meters, Powell tested positive for oxilofrine in the Jamaica trials a year ago.

Powell appealed the 18-month suspension imposed by Jamaica anti-doping authorities, asking the Court of Arbitration for Sport to cut the sanction to three months. The CAS hearing is set for July 7-8.

Former world champion Tyson Gay is also returning from a one-year doping ban to compete in Lausanne, Switzerland, on July 3. The American sprinter will then run at the Montreuil meet on July 7.