September 17, (THEWILL) – The uncertainty over Tobi Amusan’s career has been laid to rest after the deadline for an official appeal against her overturned ban expired.
THEWILL recalls that the Nigerian athlete, who holds the world record in the women’s 100m hurdles, had briefly been suspended ahead of the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. However, a panel convened by the sport’s governing body cancelled the restriction just days before the event.
While the Athletics Integrity Unit voiced disappointment with the decision and mused over a possible legal challenge, their window to contest the ruling through the Court of Arbitration for Sport has now closed without action. With no appeal launched within the allotted 30-day timeframe, Amusan’s eligibility is no longer uncertain. She has travelled to Oregon in the United States to compete in the lucrative Diamond League final.
It remains unclear whether Amusan will pursue any action against the AIU over the ban, which disrupted her build-up to Budapest where she finished sixth in the 100m hurdles final. At the championships, the AIU’s leader, David Howman, flagged “concerns” the panel’s verdict “might set an unwelcome precedent.”
However, their ability to formally question the lifting of Amusan’s sanction has expired. The record-holding sprinter can now fully focus on restoring her status at the sport’s highest level, with the lingering question around her suspension now deemed closed.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
