Doping: Nigeria str#pped of CWG gold medal in women’s relay

The Commonwealth Games Federation has str#pped Nigeria of one of the gold medals won at the last edition of the games held in Birmingham in 2022.

A positive dr¥gs test involving Grace Nwokocha meant the gold medal initially awarded to Nigeria in the Women’s 4x100m relay has now been awarded to England, who finished second in the original race.

Nwokocha was provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit after her sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for Ostarine and Dihydroxy-LGD-4033, a metabolite of Ligandrol. Both are non-Specified Substances, listed under Other Anabolic Agents in the WADA 2022 Prohibited List.

Nwokocha had ran the anchor leg at the Alexander Stadium, fending off opposition from England’s Daryll Neita and Jamaica Elaine Thompson-Herah to claim the gold medal in an African Record time of 42.10secs.

According to a statement published on the Games website: “The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) can confirm that the Commonwealth Games Federation Court has issued their decision regarding an in-competition sample provided by Ms Nwokocha, who competed in Athletics at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Analysis of the sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for Ostarine and Dihydroxy-LGD-4033, a metabolite of Ligandrol. Both are non-Specified Substances, listed under Other Anabolic Agents in the WADA 2022 Prohibited List.

On 17 May 2023, The Federation Court issued a decision that Ms Nwokocha had committed the following Anti-Doping Rule Viol@tions (ADRVs) under the 2022 Commonwealth Games Anti-Doping Rules (ADRs).

Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in the Athlete’s Sample, pursuant to Article 2.1 of the ADRs; and Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method, pursuant to Article 2.2 of the ADRs.

Accordingly, the Federation Court disqualified Ms Nwokocha’s results from the following events, with all resulting consequences, including forfeiture of any points and prizes.”