Mike Powell Suspended for Athletics Rule Violation
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has issued a suspension against former American athlete Mike Powell, preventing him from participating in or accessing events organized by World Athletics.
The sanction is due to a breach of safe environment regulations in athletics, although the AIU has not revealed specific details about the case. This means that Powell will not be able to attend the Tokyo World Championships, which starts this Friday, nor future official competitions.
Powell, recognized as a legend in the world of athletics, is the current holder of the men’s long jump world record, with a mark of 8.95 meters set in 1991 during a confrontation with Carl Lewis at the Tokyo World Championships.
Her career includes an Olympic silver medal in Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992, as well as a world championship in Stuttgart (1993).
Since 2022, Powell has been working as a jumps coach at Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles. The suspension also prohibits him from accessing VIP areas, official accreditations, and private spaces related to World Athletics events.
The international organization’s safeguarding regulations allow for the imposition of preventive measures if a person is considered to pose a risk to the athletic community. Powell has the option to appeal the decision, but the suspension will remain in effect in the meantime.
