The AIU revealed that the doping control laboratory in Tokyo notified the ITA that Ujah's test showed the use of a prohibited substance.
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In a shocking development, British sprinter Chijindu Ujah has been provisionally suspended over doping allegations during the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics. Ujah was one of the many British athletes that won a medal at the Games. He won the silver medal in the men’s 4x100m relay event. The doping test result could have serious implications on the sprinter’s career. Doping is a very serious offence as far as the Olympics committee is concerned. It will be interesting to see what decision they reach over the issue.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) revealed that the doping control laboratory in Tokyo notified the International Testing Agency (ITA) that Ujah’s test showed the “presence/use of a prohibited substance (Ostarine and S-23). “The doping result was made public on Thursday. If the members of the men’s 4x100m relay team were aware of the matter, they could have all of their medals taken away and not just the culprits’. Ujah was the one who ran Team Great Britain’s opening leg of the event. The team ended up in second place as Italy took home the gold medal.
The sample of the sprinter was collected by the ITA during an in-competition anti-doping control on August 6. This was right after the final of the men’s 4x100m relay event. The results were reportedly revealed by the WADA-accredited laboratory of Tokyo on August 8.
“If requested by the athlete and if the B-sample analysis confirms the AAF, or alternatively if the athlete does not wish to have the B-sample analysis undertaken, the case will be referred to the Anti-Doping Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport for adjudication under the International Olympic Committee Anti-Doping Rules applicable to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020,” the ITA said.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport will have a task on their hands to deliver the right verdict. Convening on matters like doping is a very tricky task if the past is to be believed. There can be several scenarios depending upon the seriousness and awareness of the case. It is almost certain, although not official, that Ujah will lose the silver medal that he won at the Games.
What will be interesting to see is how it will affect the GB team that went to the Games. If Ujah was the only one who knew about doping, then it is unlikely that anyone else will face any repercussions. However, if it is revealed that any other medal-winning athlete had knowledge of the case, then they could also have their medals taken. It could also have far-reaching implications on the whole relay team that GB had fielded for the relay. If the members knew about the situation, team GB could lose one Olympic medal. This could mean that Tokyo 2020 was not the Games when they matched their best-ever 2012 Olympics medals tally.
