US sprinter explains how he got a blood clot ‘the size of a football’ before World Indoor Championships race

SportsHealth & Fitness
20 Mar 2026 • 9:13 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • American athlete Jordan Anthony, a favourite for the men's 60m gold, suffered a blood clot following an anti-doping test.
  • The incident occurred at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland, when a phlebotomist reportedly missed his vein.
  • Anthony described the clot as “the size of a football” and had his arm taped, but stated it would not deter him.
  • Despite the injury, he successfully competed in his heat, winning it in 6.54 seconds.
  • Anthony remains confident about securing a gold medal for Team USA, recalling advice from Noah Lyles to be prepared for the unexpected.

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