Sportswear manufacturer Adidas has suspended its sponsorship of U.S. sprinter Tyson Gay after the athlete failed a drugs test. Mr Gay, 30, is the joint second-fastest man ever over 100 metres and the fastest man in the world this year. He tested positive for a banned substance in an out-of-competition test on May 16. An Adidas spokesman said: "We are shocked by these recent allegations. Even if we presume his innocence until proven otherwise, our contract with Tyson is currently suspended." The sportswear giant had been sponsoring Gay since 2005. It has the right to terminate the contract, "if the athlete is found guilty of the possession or use of drugs or any other prohibited substance".

Gay is currently waiting to hear the results of his B-test, following the illegal stimulant being found in his initial A-test. He told reporters on Monday that he did not knowingly take part in any doping programme. He said: "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 right now." He said he was still optimistic about the future, saying: "I hope I am able to run again, but I will take whatever punishment I get like a man." News of Gay's positive test emerged shortly after another sprinter, Jamaica's former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, was also revealed to have failed a drugs test.