Jamaican 400-metre runner Christopher Taylor has received a provisional suspension from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after being charged with violating the World Anti-Doping Code.

Taylor’s name appeared on the AIU updated list of provisional suspensions on Monday (June 12) for evading, refusing or failing to submit to sample collection.

Charges were laid against Taylor after a six-month investigation revealed that the athlete ‘evaded’ a doping test last November.

According to AIU, a provisional suspension imposed in a non-doping case does not in any way abrogate the presumption of innocence and it is not an early determination of guilt. Rather, it is an order made on a precautionary basis to safeguard the interests of the sport.

A provisional suspension is when an athlete is suspended temporarily from participating in any competition or activity in athletics until an outcome of the matter is determined.

Taylor faces a four-year ban from the sport if found guilty.