Sport Industry Group

Delhi hit by failed drugs test- 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00

The Commonwealth Games in Delhi has been plunged into a new crisis after women's track 100m gold medal winner Osayemi Oludamola of Nigeria failed a drugs test.

Commonwealth Games Federation president Mike Fennell said 24-year-old Oludamola, who was promoted to gold when Australia's Sally Pearson was disqualified for false-starting, tested positive for the banned stimulant methylhexanamine.

He added that she had been notified and had requested her B sample be tested with the results of that expected later in the day.

‘As far as anti-doping is concerned we have conducted over 950 tests to date and we've had results from just over 700,’ said Fennell.

‘Unfortunately I have to report to you we have had a positive result. This result was in relation to the winner of the women's 100m final, Osayemi from Nigeria. She has been notified in accordance with the anti-doping standard that applies to these Games.’

It was the first positive test of the Games, now in their eighth day of competition, and Fennell said it remained to be seen how much damage it would do to the image of the sport given it came in such a high-profile event.

‘Any positive test, whether in a high-profile event or not, is something we very much regret because we all strive for a clean Games and a clean sport.

‘We don't know what sort of damage will accrue but we want to let everyone know that we are very vigilant and we are doing all we can to eliminate doping in sport.’

Organising committee secretary general Lalit Bhanot said the positive test showed none could get away with cheating.

‘We want dope-free games. That's why 1,500 tests are being conducted. If someone is caught, action will be taken as per the rules. At the same time it is a message to everyone that no one can escape.’