Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare has been suspended from the Tokyo Olympics event.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed that she tested positive for a banned substance, Growth Hormone. Consequently, she will be excluded from participating in the 100 Metres semifinals in Tokyo on Saturday.
This was disclosed by the AIU on its website on Friday, stating that the substance was found in a test on July 19.
What the AIU said
“The AIU collected the sample from Ms Okagbare during an out-of-competition test on 19 July. The WADA-accredited laboratory that analysed the sample notified the AIU of the adverse analytical finding at mid-day Central European Time yesterday, Friday 30 July.
“The athlete was notified of the adverse analytical finding and of her provisional suspension this morning in Tokyo. She was scheduled to participate in the semi-finals of the women’s 100m this evening.
“The AIU will make no further comment on this matter at this time.”
What you need to know
A provisional suspension is a situation where an athlete or a person is suspended temporarily from participating in any competition or activity in athletics prior to a final decision at a hearing conducted under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules or the Integrity Code of Conduct.