Sportswear maker Adidas has put on hold its sponsorship of runner Tyson Gay after he failed a drugs test. Mr Gay is the joint second-fastest man ever to run 100 metres, and has the fastest time this year. He tested positive for a banned drug in May. Adidas said the news was shocking and that the contract was suspended, even if it thought Gay might be innocent. Adidas can end the contract if Gay is guilty of using or having drugs. It has sponsored him since 2005.

Gay is now waiting for the results of his B-test, after the illegal drug was found in his A-test. He said he did not knowingly use anything bad. He told reporters: "I don't have a sabotage story. I basically put my trust in someone and was let down. I know exactly what went on, but I can't discuss it." Gay hopes to run again and said he would "take whatever punishment I get like a man." Jamaica's ex-100m world record holder Asafa Powell also failed a drugs test.