Australian Athletics has provisionally suspended former sprint champion Jake Doran following his arrest and charge over an alleged child sex offence in Queensland.
The governing body announced the action on Thursday, saying it had received information about a serious offence involving an athlete in the city of Townsville.
“Australian Athletics is aware that an athlete has been charged with a serious offence in Townsville,” the organisation said in a statement.
“Based on information provided to Australian Athletics, the organisation has imposed a provisional action on the athlete.”
Doran Charged in Townsville
Doran, 26, was arrested in Townsville last week and charged with one count of indecent treatment of a child under the age of 16.
According to national broadcaster ABC, the athlete was granted bail and is due to return to court on November 5.
The charge remains an allegation, and the reported court date marks the next stage of the legal proceedings.
Suspension Bars Athlete From Training and Events
The provisional suspension prevents Doran from attending events organised by clubs, member associations or Australian Athletics.
The restrictions also prohibit him from participating in training while the action remains in place.
Australian Athletics said the welfare of people involved in the sport was a priority and that it treated allegations of this nature seriously.
“The safety and wellbeing of all participants in our sport is paramount, and we take all allegations of this nature very seriously,” the governing body said.
Former National Champion Represented Australia Internationally
Doran is a two-time Australian national champion in the 200 metres and has represented his country at two World Athletics Championships.
He also competed for Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The provisional suspension follows the charge in Townsville and prevents him from participating in organised athletics activities under the governing body’s jurisdiction.
