Dope scandal hits Games, case to be decided on Wednesday

The Commonwealth Games was today hit by a dope scandal, with Nigerian women’s 100m gold medallist Osayomi Oludamola testing positive for a banned stimulant, prompting authorities to suspend her until the results from a second sample are known.

The results from the athlete’s B sample would be known only on Wednesday, said the Commonwealth Games Federation in a media statement. The athlete tested positive for the substance methylhexaneamine, a stimulant under category S6 of the World Anti Doping Agency list of prohibited substances and methods, the CGF said.

The 24-year-old runner attended a provisional hearing by the CGF’s Court after her positive dope test. After being notified of the result for the A sample, she has asked for the B sanmple to be tested. The provisional hearing here of the CGF Court was chaired by president Michael Fennell and consisted of five senior office bearers - VP Tinku Imran (Malaysia), Bruce Robertson (Canada), secretary Louise Martin (Scotland), legal advisor Sharad Rao (Kenya) and treasurer Austin Sealy (Barbados).

“The provisional hearing ruled that the provisional suspension of the athlete will continue until the result of the B sample is received,” said the CGF statement. “That B sample result is expected within 48 hours from the time of request, so further details are not expected until Wednesday morning (Delhi time). The Federation Court will give its final deliberation on the matter of Ms Oludamola (Osayomi) upon receipt of the B sample test result,” it added.

The Nigerian sprinter won the controversial 100m race on October 7 after Australia’s Sally Pearson, the first runner across the finish line, was disqualified for a false start, following a protest and an official inquiry. If Osayomi is disqualified, Natasha Mayers (St Vincent and the Granedines), who finished second, would be awarded the gold. Third-placed Katherine Endacott of England and fourth-placed Bertile Delphin Atangana of Cameroon would collect the bronze after crossing the finish line in fifth position.