PENSACOLA, FL (AP) -- Banned sprinter Justin Gatlin is preparing for a hearing in Pensacola that could determine whether he'll defend his 100-meter title at the Beijing Olympics. A Florida federal judge ruled Friday that Gatlin should be allowed to compete at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon.
U.S. District Judge Lacey A. Collier's temporary restraining order is in effect for 10 days at present. The first two rounds of the 100-meter qualifying are set for June 28. The semifinals and finals are the following day. A hearing is scheduled Monday in Pensacola to discuss the order, and Gatlin is expected to attend. Gatlin's attorney said his client is "guardedly, cautiously optimistic."
The U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Track & Field say their representatives would attend Monday's hearing.