Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles, is determined to clear her name after being charged with failing three drug tests. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) levied the accusation, which, if upheld, could prevent the 26-year-old athlete from competing at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Budapest next month.

Having achieved two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, Tobi Amusan staunchly denies any use of performance-enhancing drugs. In response to the charges, she vows to fight her case before a tribunal of three arbitrators before the World Championships commence in August.

On her Instagram, Amusan expressed confidence in the resolution of the matter in her favor, reinforcing her status as a clean athlete. Despite facing these charges, she emphasizes that she undergoes regular testing by the AIU, which further supports her innocence.

According to Athletics’ “three strikes” rule, athletes must adhere to anti-doping regulations and declare their whereabouts for testing. Allegedly, Amusan missed three doping tests within a 12-month period, triggering the charges against her.

World Athletics’ anti-doping rules stipulate that failure to comply with the “Whereabouts Failures” could lead to a two-year ineligibility to compete, with the possibility of a reduction to one year depending on the degree of fault.

Amusan’s recent performance at the Diamond League meet in Silesia, where she secured a victory, adds significance to the situation. The AIU has provisionally suspended her while the case progresses.

As the World Athletics Championships approach, Tobi Amusan’s resolve to fight the charges casts uncertainty on her participation in the prestigious event. The championship is scheduled to take place in Budapest, Hungary, from 19th to 27th August.

(Daily Trust)