August 14, (THEWILL) – The World Athletics has debunked reports that Nigeria’s track queen, Oluwatobiloba Amusan has been cleared to participate at the forthcoming 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
As THEWILL reported, Amusan’s name was excluded by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) from the competition after she was accused of a whereabouts failure charge for allegedly missing required doping tests within a 12-month period by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
However, it was reported last weekend that the 26-year-old had been cleared to take part in the World Athletics Championships.
Now, the governing body has denied those reports. A statement from Nicole Jeffery, World Athletics’ Head of Communications, read:
“Please be advised, reports that say Tobi Amusan has been cleared to compete in Budapest are wrong. No decision has been made in this case yet. When a decision is made, it will be announced by the Athletics Integrity Unit.”
It would be recalled that World Athletics included Amusan’s name on the entry list for the competition published last week but with the provision that her participation would depend on the outcome of the whereabouts failure charge against her by the AIU. The AIU is expected to make their decision known before the start of the World Athletics Championships.
Amusan is currently the world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, having claimed the title at the last edition of the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States of America. Her participation in Budapest hangs in the balance as she awaits the AIU’s ruling.
Athletics fans eagerly await clarity on whether the reigning 100m hurdles world champion will have the opportunity to defend her title this summer. The AIU is under pressure to resolve Amusan’s case swiftly.
About the Author
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.
