After Sha’Carri Richardson’s 100M Loss, Track and Field World in Shambles as Nigerian ‘Pro’ Sails Through ‘Doping’ Storms

Sha’Carri Richardson had been on a roll in 2023. However, that run ended when Julien Alfred beat her recently in Hungary with a time of 10.89 seconds and handed Richardson her first 100m loss of the year. Shortly after, another track and field news struck fans with surprise and concern.

Tobi Amusan, the reigning world record-holder in women’s 100m hurdles, revealed that she has been charged with an alleged anti-doping rule violation. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, the 26-year-old Nigerian athlete expressed her determination to fight the charges and clear her name before the upcoming World Championships in Budapest.

Tobi Amusan’s anti-doping charge

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) charged Amusan with an alleged rule violation. Citing three missed tests within a 12-month period. AIU is responsible for upholding the integrity of the sport and ensuring fair competition through rigorous anti-doping measures. Amusan, who firmly identifies herself as a clean athlete, expressed her faith in a favorable resolution through an Instagram post. In her post, the Nigerian track star also mentioned that “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 emphasized that she is regularly tested by the AIU, and she was tested just days after the alleged third missed test. Just days before the revelation, she showcased her remarkable talent at the Silesia Diamond League competition in Poland, setting a new meeting record of 12.34 seconds in the 100m hurdles event. She maintained that she has faith that the matter will be resolved in her favor and she will eventually compete in the World Athletics Championships in Budapest next month. Through her social media post, Amusan requested the media to respect her privacy throughout her legal battle. However, this is not her first brush with anti-doping charges.

Amusan’s past experience with anti-doping charges

Tobi Amusan has been an exceptional athlete for Nigeria. However, the road has not been without challenges. During the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Amusan was part of Nigeria’s victorious 4×100 relay squad that won the gold medal. Yet, their triumph was short-lived, as they were stripped of their medal. One of their teammates, anchor runner Grace Nwokocha, failed a doping test that proved costly for the whole Nigerian relay team. The AIU found the presence/use of Ostarine and Ligandrol in her test sample. Two substances that are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Read more: Video: Track Sensation Sha’Carri Richardson Roars to a Blistering 21.61s Run at the US Championships

As the athletics community awaits the resolution of Amusan’s case, there is a collective hope that justice will prevail. Her talent, dedication, and determination have been admired by fans worldwide, and many stand in solidarity with her during this challenging time. However, whether Amusan will be able to compete at the upcoming World Championships remains uncertain.

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