Justin Gatlin claims organisers at the sent him home on the eve of the event.
The American was due to race in China on Wednesday (today) after running his fastest ever 100 metres time of 9.74 seconds at the Diamond League opener in Doha last week, despite concerns over a thigh injury.
Gatlin, who has served two doping bans, initially told organisers he was suffering from a tight hamstring and dehydration following a flight to Beijing, but came through a training session on Monday.
“I was happy to stay. I’m fit and ready to run. I was cramping a lot after the fastest my body has ever run,” Reuters claim Gatlin told reporters at Beijing airport as he left to fly home.
“They didn’t have any respect for me so they said ‘you better leave’ and they kicked me out.”
Beijing organisers have yet to respond to Gatlin’s claims at this stage.
“I thought I was competing,” Gatlin added. “I ran the fastest time by anyone since 2012 in Doha and my body was a little whacked.
“I had respect for the organisers telling them that I felt dehydrated but they didn’t have any respect for me. It’s crazy. I have no idea what they were thinking. I think they thought I wasn’t man enough and I might pull up in the race, or not finish it and then still ask for money.