Nigerian sprint sensation, Tobi Amusan has been charged with an anti-doping rule violation by the Athletic Integrity Unit (AIU).
Tobi Amusan, who is the women’s 100m hurdles world record holder, was accused of missing three tests within 12 months, casting doubt on her participation in next month’s world championships.
According to the AIU, an athlete who fails to participate in tests within a 12-month period is deemed to have violated anti-doping regulations.
The penalty for such a violation typically involves a two-year suspension, which can be reduced to a minimum of one year based on the extent of culpability.
Reacting via her Instagram page, the 26-year-old Nigerian athlete maintained her innocence and expressed her determination to contest the allegations brought against her.
Noting that she had undergone testing shortly after the alleged third missed test, Amusan emphasized that she regularly undergoes rigorous testing by the AIU, sometimes even more frequently than usual.
The sprinter declared her belief that the issue would be resolved in her favor, ensuring her participation in the upcoming World Championships, scheduled to commence next month.
She wrote, “Today, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has charged me with an alleged rule violation for having three missed tests in 12 months.
“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.
“I am a clean athlete, and I am regularly; (maybe more than 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.
“In the meantime, I ask that the media respect my privacy while I address these allegations in the upcoming arbitration,” Amusan concluded.
This comes two weeks after Tobi Amusan showcased her exceptional talent by claiming victory in the women’s 100 meters hurdles at the Stockholm Diamond League.
