The world record-holder in women's hurdles, Tobi Amusan, has been charged with an alleged anti-doping rule violation, which has cast doubt on her participation in the upcoming world championships.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) officially brought forward the charges against the Nigerian athlete, accusing her of three missed tests within a 12-month period.
Amusan addressed the situation on Instagram, where she vowed to contest the charges and have her case decided by a tribunal of three arbitrators before the commencement of next month's World Championships in Budapest.
"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," Amusan declared on her social media platform.
Amusan, who set the women's 100m hurdles world record with an impressive time of 12.12 seconds during last year's World Athletics Championships, expressed confidence in resolving the matter and maintaining her clean athlete status. She emphasised that she undergoes regular testing by the AIU, and she was promptly tested after the alleged third missed test.
"I am a CLEAN ATHLETE, and I am regularly; (maybe more than the usual) tested by the AIU - I was tested within days of my third 'missed test.' I have FAITH that this will be resolved in my favour and that I will be competing at the World Championships in August," she asserted on Instagram, demonstrating her belief in a positive outcome.
As of now, Amusan's representatives have not responded to media requests for comments regarding the charges.
Amid the ongoing situation, Tobi Amusan recently participated in the Silesia Diamond League competition in Poland, where she displayed her athletic prowess by setting a new meet record with a remarkable time of 12.34 seconds.
At the Golden Spike athletics meet in the Czech Republic last month, Amusan achieved a commendable third-place finish in the women's 100m hurdles, narrowly missing victory against reigning Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico, who secured the top spot with a time of 12.42 seconds.
Despite the challenges she faces, Amusan remains optimistic about her athletic aspirations. When questioned about her ambitions to improve her world record pace, she confidently responded, "Nothing is impossible, and 11 seconds? Most definitely."
However, she expressed apprehension about the ongoing debate on raising hurdle height to prioritise technique over speed, voicing her objection to the idea due to her shorter stature.
"Don't do that, don't raise the hurdles. Please," said Amusan, who is 5'1 (156 centimetres) tall.
(With inputs from AFP)
