Tobi Amusan cleared for World title defence

100m Hurdles world champion and record holder Tobi Amusan has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the Athletics Integrity Unit and is free to participate in the 2023 World Championship in Budapest.

Amusan, who won the 100mH event in Oregon at the last edition of the World Championships, was placed on a provisional suspension after she was accused of having missed three tests within a 12-month period. The hurdler maintained her innocence and challenged the decision, prompting the AIU to carry out a detailed investigation.

The hurdler was left out of the Team Nigeria list to represent the country at the World Championships as the Nigerian federation chose to respect her suspension at the time, but she continued her appeal while preparing for her title defence.

In a statement released today, the AIU have decided by majority vote of its Disciplinary Tribunal that the Nigerian is not guilty of any Anti-Doping Rule Violation, and the suspension has been lifted with immediate effect.

AIU head Brett Clothier, however, is unsatisfied with the decision to lift her suspension, and is said to be prepared to carry out another in-depth investigation to enable him decide whether to further pursue the case in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

For now, Amusan is free to return to the track and take part in the World Championship in Budapest where she will be keen to retain her title.