The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has taken the decision to provisionally suspend Nigerian track and field athlete Tobi Amusan due to failure to undergo anti-doping test on three occasions.
The suspension was announced after it was discovered that Amusan had failed to comply with the requirements of the anti-doping regulations by missing three drug tests within a 12-month period.
Such violations can lead to a two-year suspension, even in the absence of a failed drug test. Channels Tv reported.
The AIU, responsible for maintaining the integrity of athletics worldwide and overseeing anti-doping measures, released a statement on Twitter confirming the charge against Amusan.
The case will be heard by the Disciplinary Tribunal, and a final determination will be made before the World Athletics Championships.
To ensure fair competition and uphold the principles of clean sport, the AIU has strict rules and regulations in place.
Athletes are required to provide their whereabouts information, including their daily location and availability for testing, through the AIU’s Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS).
Failure to provide accurate and timely whereabouts information can result in sanctions, and in Amusan’s case, the three whereabouts failures have led to her provisional suspension from competitions.
The AIU’s decision will be further investigated and reviewed in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.
Amusan, 26, has won many awards, including three time Nigerian Championships, World, Commonwealth, African and Diamond League champions.
She successfully defended her title, winning her second consecutive gold medal in the 100 m hurdles with a new Games record of 12.30 s.
Eventually in 2022, she won Confederation of African Athletics Female Athlete of the Year award
Amusan vowed to resolve the charges
GOOD EVENING NIGERIA reports that Amusan vowed to resolve the charges against her before this year’s competition, set to be held next month in Budapest.
“I intend to fight this charge and will have my case decided by a tribunal of 3 arbitrators before the start of next month’s World Championships,” she said.
“I am a CLEAN ATHLETE, and I am regularly; (maybe more than the usual) tested by the AIU – I was tested within days of my third ‘missed test.’
“I have FAITH that this will be resolved in my favour and that I will be competing at the World Championships in August.”