The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended Gerald Phiri, a former Zambian Olympian and current USA Track and Field (USATF) licensed coach, following an ongoing joint investigation with the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The probe was initiated after three of Phiri’s athletes tested positive for a banned substance.

Between July 2023 and August 2024, three track athletes under Phiri’s coaching returned Adverse Analytical Findings for metabolites of GW1516, also known as Cardarine. The substance, classified as a Metabolic Modulator, is prohibited at all times under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.

The AIU alleges that Phiri violated anti-doping rules by possessing GW1516 during his career as an athlete in 2018 and 2019 and possessing another banned substance, Meldonium, as an Athlete Support Person in 2024. He is also accused of failing to cooperate with the investigation by providing false and inaccurate information.

Phiri’s provisional suspension took effect on 17 March 2025. Under World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, he has the right to submit a written appeal to the AIU to challenge the suspension.

The AIU and USADA continue to investigate the matter, with a focus on potential broader implications for doping violations in athletics. Phiri has yet to respond to the allegations publicly.

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