World 100-metre champ Christian Coleman back up to speed after suspension

The 18-month suspension is behind Christian Coleman. He's set on quickly returning to where he left off: Being the world's top sprinter.

This weekend's Prefontaine Classic will be a big first step in what could be a prosperous run in Eugene, Oregon, for the 100-metre world champion.

Next month, the U.S. championships will be held at the same site, Hayward Field. In July, he will defend his title during the world outdoor championships in Eugene, which will mark the first time track and field's biggest event — outside of the Olympics — will be held in the United States.

"The people in the sport know who I am and what I'm doing and what my talent level is," Coleman said. "I've just got to go out there and just be myself. Just have fun, really. Just compete."

Coleman never tested positive but drew a suspension for breaking antidoping rules with three "whereabout failures" in a one-year period. His last violation was months after his win at the 2019 world championships in Doha, Qatar. He took the title in 9.76 seconds, which remains tied with Bromell for the fastest time since 2015.

Back on the racing circuit — his suspension ended in November — the 26-year-old Coleman's rhythm has quickly returned. He finished runner-up to Jacobs in the 60 metres at the world indoor championships in March in Serbia.

Coleman will have his work cut out for him on the track at renovated Hayward Field. There's Kerley, who won Olympic silver in Tokyo, and De Grasse, the Olympic bronze winner in the 100 and champion in the 200. There's also Knighton, who at 18 is breaking Jamaican sensation Usain Bolt's under-20 marks, and Lyles, the reigning world champion at 200 metres.

WATCH | CBC Sports explains the 100-metre dash: 

Among the field for the