According to BBC Sport, controversial American sprinter Justin Gatlin has signed a sponsorship deal with Nike. The move is a reunion for Gatlin and the sportswear giant, who split ways after the sprinter’s second doping  ban in 2006. The 2004 100m Olympic gold medalist served a four year ban from 2006 to 2010. Gatlin had been supported by Chinese company Xtep since 2012. 

 

The 33-year-old had a career year in 2014, running personal bests in the 100m (9.77) and 200m (19.68), establishing himself as the best sprinter in a year mostly devoid of world record holder Usain Bolt. His performances raised considerable suspicion given his past and age, however, especially after a BBC report showed research by Norwegian scientists that anabolic steroids can benefit athletes decades after stopping use. 

 

Gatlin announced via his Instagram that he was making his 2015 debut at this weekend’s Texas Relays.