On Wednesday, world record holder Tobi Amusan announced she was charged with an anti-doping violation, with the Athletic Integrity Unit (AIU) claiming she missed three tests in the space of 12 months. 

“Today, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has charged me with an alleged rule violation for having three missed tests in 12 months,” Amusan wrote on Instagram. 

Amusan, scheduled to defend her world record in next month’s championship, said she would not give in to the accusation and will fight the charges before a sports tribunal. 

“I intend to fight this charge and will have my case decided by a tribunal of three arbitrators before the start of next month’s World Championships,” she said.

Amusan added, “I am a CLEAN ATHLETE, and I am regularly; (maybe more than the usual) tested by the AIU – I was tested within days of my third ‘missed test.’ I have FAITH that this will be resolved in my favour and that I will be competing at the World Championships in August.”

If found guilty, Amusan would miss out on next month’s championship and could be suspended for up to two years. 

The 26-year-old athlete became Nigeria’s first world record holder at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon. 

She also had an outstanding performance in July, winning all her five races in Stockholm Diamond League, Nigeria trials, Silesia Diamond League, and on July 18, the Gyulai István Memorial meet in Hungary.