Gatlin gets eight years

Aug. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Olympic 100-meter champion Justin Gatlin agreed to an eight-year ban from track and field events, avoiding a lifetime suspension in exchange for providing information that may assist the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency in its effort to eradicate drugs from the sport.

Gatlin, a 24-year-old American, forfeits the world record in the 100 meters he shares with Jamaica's Asafa Powell. Gatlin tied the mark in May, when he was timed in 9.77 seconds.

Gatlin agreed to the accuracy of the laboratory results that showed he tested positive for testosterone or its precursors at a meet in April, the agency said in a statement. He agreed the positive test constitutes a doping violation, the agency said.