Nigerian Boxer Suspended From Olympics After Doping Test
The International Testing Agency announced on Saturday that Nigerian boxer Cynthia Temitayo Ogunsemilore has been suspended from the Olympics in Paris due to a rule violation pertaining to anti-doping.
The ITA released a statement stating that a sample taken from the boxer "has returned an adverse analytical finding for the specified prohibited substance furosemide."
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) categorises furosemide as a "diuretic and masking agent," the ITA noted.
The sample was taken in Paris on Thursday, the day before the opening ceremony of the Olympics, and it was reported on Saturday by a laboratory recognised by WADA.
The agency stated, "The athlete has been informed of the case and has been provisionally suspended until the matter is resolved."
This implies that the athlete is barred from engaging in any kind of competition, training, coaching, or other activity, during the Olympic Games Paris 2024,” the ITA said.
Ogunsemilore has the right to challenge her provisional suspension at the Court of Arbitration and can also request an analysis of the B sample.
The 22-year-old boxer, who competes in the under-60 kg division, was scheduled to make his Olympic debut on Monday.
Since the beginning of the Games, two further athletes have been suspended.
The ITA declared on Friday Sajjad Sehen, an Iraqi judoka, tested positive for illegal steroids.
Lisvel Eve Mejia, a volleyball player from the Dominican Republic, tested positive for furosemide.