Tobi Amusan, the reigning world champion and holder of the 100m hurdles world record, has been granted permission to participate in this month’s world championships despite a situation involving missed drug tests.
A disciplinary panel, overseen by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), determined that Amusan had not violated any anti-doping regulations. Consequently, her provisional suspension has been immediately lifted. The AIU, responsible for managing doping cases in track and field, did not provide additional specifics regarding the decision reversal.
Brett Clothier, the head of the AIU, expressed disappointment over the outcome and stated that the organization will meticulously scrutinize the rationale behind the decision before contemplating whether to exercise its right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within the stipulated timeframe. While the details of the decision remain confidential presently, they will eventually be made public.
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Amusan, a 26-year-old athlete from Nigeria, had been temporarily suspended last month while anti-doping authorities investigated allegations that she had missed three drug tests within a span of twelve months. Such instances could potentially lead to a two-year suspension, even in the absence of a failed drug test.
Prior to the start of the world championships scheduled from August 19-27, an AIU disciplinary tribunal was poised to review her case. The possibility of the suspension being lifted before the event was contingent on her exoneration.
In response to the situation, Amusan conveyed, “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,’” Amusan posted on social media last month. “I have FAITH that this will be resolved in my favor and that I will be competing at the World Championships in August.”
Amusan’s impressive achievements include lowering the world record from 12.20 seconds to 12.12 during the semifinals of last July’s world championships in Eugene, Oregon. Despite her victory with a time of 12.06 in the final on the same day, this performance was not officially recognized due to excessive tailwind conditions.
This season, Amusan holds the second-best time in the world for the 100m hurdles, clocking in at 12.34 seconds. Her ranking places her behind Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico, the Olympic gold medalist, with a time of 12.31 seconds.
The preliminary round of the 100m hurdles at the world championships is set to take place on Tuesday.
