Tobi Amusan, the current world record-holder in the women’s hurdles, revealed on Wednesday that she has been charged with an alleged anti-doping rule violation ahead of the World Championships.
This development has raised concerns about her participation in the upcoming world championships, scheduled for next month.
In an Instagram post, Amusan confirmed that she had been charged by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for reportedly having three missed tests within a 12-month period.
The 26-year-old Nigerian athlete, who set the world record of 12.12 seconds in the women’s 100m hurdles at last year’s World Athletics Championships, expressed her intention to contest the charges and have her case heard by a tribunal of three arbitrators before the start of the world championships in Budapest.
Amusan strongly asserted her innocence, emphasizing that she is a clean athlete and regularly undergoes testing by the AIU. She remains confident that the situation will be resolved in her favour and that she can compete at the World Championships in August.
Amusan’s representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment from AFP, and further details about the specific charges or the ongoing process have not been disclosed.
Despite the recent development, Amusan participated in the Silesia Diamond League competition in Poland last Sunday, where she set a new meeting record of 12.34 seconds. However, at the Golden Spike athletics meet in the Czech Republic last month, she finished third in the women’s 100m hurdles, losing to reigning Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico.
When questioned by reporters about the possibility of improving her world record time, Amusan expressed optimism, stating that nothing is impossible and that she believes running the hurdles in 11 seconds is definitely achievable.
Regarding the debate on raising hurdles to prioritize technique over speed, Amusan, who stands 5’1 (156 centimetres) tall, voiced her opposition, appealing against such a change.
It remains to be seen how the charges against Amusan will unfold and whether she will be able to compete in the upcoming world championships. The athletics community will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding her case and awaiting a resolution.
