ANDRé LOWE, Special Projects Editor - Sports

Six-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt believes that American Tyson Gay should have been banned for life for doping.

The Jamaican blasted Gay's expedited return to competition after the former 100m and 200m world champion tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid at the US Outdoor Championships in 2013.

Gay's failed test was announced in May 2014 but was backdated to June 23, 2013 the date he actually tested positive.

However, the 32-year-old sprinter was surprisingly back in action last June, after what could have been a two-year ban was reduced because of his co-operation with US anti-doping officials.

Speaking to Runner's World Magazine in an interview also published in the UK-based outlet The Times, Bolt blasted the decision as 'stupid' and said that he was not looking forward to competing against Gay.

The 100m and 200m world record holder says that the wrong message is being sent with Gay's quick return to the track and that not enough is being done to discourage doping in the sport.

"It's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. The message should be: 'If you cheat, you're going to be kicked out of the sport'," Bolt was quoted. "You have to drive fear into athletes, to make them think about the consequences of their actions. If they're getting an easy penalty why would they care?"

Gay posted 100m times of 9.93, 10.04, 10.35 and 10.01 and 20.22 in the 200m since his return. So far this year, he has featured in a 4x100m leg at the Mt Sac Relays last week Saturday.

"I'm not looking forward to competing against Tyson," added Bolt, 28. "I respected him so much over the years. He was a competitor, kept me on my toes and he pushed me to always do my best."

Not worried

"I'm not worried about him beating me, it's because I respected him so much. It's a bit like parents must feel when they have a kid who does something bad and lets them down," added Bolt.

"He (Gay) got a year just because he talked to the authorities about how it was done and who helped him,'' Bolt said. "That sends the wrong message: `If you do it and get caught, just tell us all you know and we'll lower your ban'."

Gay is scheduled to compete at the May 9 Jamaica International Invitational Meet at the National Stadium.