Tobi Amusan, the Nigerian reigning world champion and record holder in the 100-meter hurdles, has been cleared by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) to compete in Budapest, Hungary, in the 2023 World Athletics Championships. On Thursday, August 17th, 2023,
the AIU reported that Amusan was found not guilty of an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) for failing to report her location on three separate occasions during a 12-month period.
[caption id="attachment_8288" align="aligncenter" width="532"]
Amusan was found not guilty of an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV). | Source: Google[/caption]
At the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Amusan achieved a new world record with a time of 12.12 seconds. Last month, the AIU temporarily suspended the athlete and threatened a two-year suspension from the sport. It was alleged that between July 2022 and June 2023, she failed three doping tests conducted outside of competition.
The Athletics Integrity Unit verified the news on August 17, 2023, after it was determined by a panel of the Disciplinary Tribunal that Amusan had not committed an ADRV of three Whereabouts Failures within a 12-month period of time.
A majority of the Disciplinary Tribunal, however, reversed Amusan's suspension, concluding that she had not committed an ADRV.
The AIU issued the following statement:
"AIU head Brett Clothier has indicated the AIU is disappointed by this decision and will review the reasoning in detail before deciding whether to exercise its right of appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport."
Amusan expressed her relief and joy on social media after the verdict. She wrote on Instagram:
"I’m thrilled to put this behind me and look forward to defending my title at next week’s World Championships."
Tobi Amusan will now be traveling to Budapest for the World Championships, which begin this coming Saturday. There, she will compete in the 100-meter hurdles event. She will be challenged by the likes of
Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico, the incumbent Olympic champion, and Britany Anderson of Jamaica, who took silver behind Amusan in Eugene with a national record of 12.3.
However, the athlete will face more formidable opponents,
including the Jamaican ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce. The 2023 World Athletics Championships will feature record-setting athletes who will either defend their titles, set new records, or be dethroned.
Tobi Amusan's Early Years and Career
Tobi Amusan is a track and field athlete from Nigeria who competes primarily in the 100-meter hurdles but is also a capable sprinter. She was born and raised in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Amusan's success as an athlete dates back to when she was still a high school student at Our Lady of Apostle Secondary School in Ijebu Ode.
At the 2013 African Youth Championships, held in Warri, she took home the silver medal.
Tobi Amusan's Achievements
Amusan is one of the most renowned athletes in Nigeria's history and has won multiple international competitions. She has dominated the 100-meter hurdles competition, winning two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, two gold medals at the African Championships, and one gold medal at the World Championships. She holds the records in all three events.
She ran a world record 12.12 seconds in the semi-finals of the 100-meter hurdles at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, and afterwards ran a wind-aided 12.06 seconds in the final to win the gold medal, breaking her own world record.
She additionally won the 100-meter hurdles event at the Diamond League Trophy in Zurich in 2021.
Amusan's Clearance
In light of recent drug scandals and organizational problems in Nigerian athletics, Amusan's clearance makes for excellent news. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) disqualified ten Nigerian competitors from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics three years ago, diminishing the country's chances of winning additional medals in Japan.
As per Rule 15 of the Anti-Doping Rules for 'Category A' federations, the athletes were found to have violated the minimum testing standards. The 'Category A' federations are those that pose the greatest risk to the sport as a whole due to allegations of rampant doping.
Many Nigerian athletes,
including Blessing Okagbare-Otegheri (10-year ban), Deborah Oluwaseun Odeyemi (2015), Nigerian high and long jumper Samson Idiata (2015), Tosin Adeloye (2012), and so many more, have tested positive for banned substances or failed tests in recent years.
Athletes and fans alike have wished her well in the World Championships on social media. Many people have praised her for remaining strong and focused in the face of the allegations and suspension. The AIU and the Nigerian Athletics Federation have been the target of calls for reform and accountability.
By winning the 100-meter hurdles world championship for a second time, Amusan would make history as the first African woman to do it. She hopes to further solidify her place as one of the best hurdlers in history by breaking the current world record.
On Sunday, August 20th, the Puskas Arena in Budapest will host the preliminary rounds of the women's 100-meter hurdles. The semi-finals will be held on Monday, August 21, while the championship game will be held on Tuesday, August 22.
LIVE UPDATES
