MELBOURNE, Australia — The champion of Australia's richest foot race — the 120-meter Stawell Gift — was charged with importing steroids today, three days before he was to defend his title.

Nathan Allen was arrested shortly after appearing at the official race launch on Wednesday in Melbourne, said Victoria Police spokesman Senior Constable Wayne Wilson.

Following a joint operation between state police and Australian Customs, Allen was charged with knowingly importing anabolic substances — alleged to be nandrolone, testosterone and a third substance — and a Victorian state charge of attempting to possess a drug of dependence.

He was released on bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on May 21.

After attending the launch for this weekend's Stawell Gift, Allen withdrew from the race.

"In the light of recent events involving myself in regards to a police matter I think it is in everyone's best interests and especially that of the Stawell Gift if I stood down from competing in this year's event," Allen said in a statement.

"I believe it is wrong for me to compete until the conclusion of these police matters is heard. I truly hope that this year's event can be a success and I am sorry for the negative press that this affair has created."

Allen won last year's Gift off a handicap of 5.25 meters in a time of 12.35 seconds. His handicap mark — the distance by which his start is advanced from the 120-meter start — had been brought in to 2.25 meters for this year's race.

The heats of the race are run at Central Park in the Victoria state town of Stawell on Saturday, with the semifinals and final on Easter Monday. The winner of the race receives $37,720.