Share

2nd athlete fails drug test

New Delhi - A second Nigerian runner has failed a doping test for the same banned substance at the Commonwealth Games, organisers announced on Tuesday.

Commonwealth Games Federation president Mike Fennell said Samuel Okon, who was sixth in the final of the 110m hurdles last Friday, had tested positive for the banned stimulant Methylexanemine.

Osayomi Oludamola, the women's 100m gold medallist at New Delhi, has asked for her B sample to be tested after it was announced on Monday that her initial sample had returned a positive for the stimulant. She could be stripped of her medal.

Fennell said the Nigerian team was investigating.

"We have already had discussions with the leadership of the Nigerian team, who are themselves taking it very seriously," Fennell told a news conference. "They are very concerned about it."

Okon will face a provisional hearing later on Tuesday.

The World Anti-Doping Agency recently loosened the classification of Methylexanemine for next year to the "specified stimulant" list, which covers drugs that are more susceptible to inadvertent use and can carry reduced penalties. Sanctions for use of the drug can be reduced if athletes can prove they did not intend to enhance performance. Penalties can range from a warning to a two-year ban.

WADA said Methylexanemine was sold as a medicine until the early 1970s and has now reappeared in some nutritional supplements and cooking oils.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE