Gatlin says expects to run again

Olympic sprint champion Justin Gatlin said he expected to be cleared of doping charges brought against him by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

The American, in a statement released by his publicist, also said he expected to compete again.

"I have put my faith in a system that I believe will clear my name and that I believe will allow me to compete again," the Olympic and world champion and joint 100 metres world record holder said.

The comments were Gatlin's first since USADA announced last Tuesday it had banned him for up to a maximum of eight years pending an arbitration hearing.

Gatlin, 24, announced last month he had tested positive for testosterone or its precursors at the Kansas Relays on April 22.

The hearing process will determine the length of his ban, if any.

Gatlin said he intended to file for arbitration soon.

"I expect when that process is concluded that this entire matter will be resolved favourably," Gatlin said.

Gatlin's shoe company, Nike, has suspended its contract with him until further notice, spokesman Dean Stoyer told Reuters.