The Athletics Integrity Unit said on Monday that British sprinter CJ Ujah was banned for 22 months for a doping case that resulted in Britain being stripped of Olympic relay medals, but that he will be eligible to participate again in 2019.
After Ujah tested positive for Ostarine and S-23 in the Tokyo Olympics, Great Britain were deprived of their silver medal in the men’s 4x100m event.
The AIU and the World Anti-Doping Agency determined, however, that the 28-year-intake old’s of a tainted supplement was an unintentional violation of anti-doping rules.
In light of this, his suspension is less severe than it would have been for a willful doping violation.
It begins on August 6, 2021, the date of his failed test, and ends on June 5, 2023, giving him time to try out for the British squad for the upcoming World Championships in Budapest.
AIU Director Brett Clothier stated that Ujah’s case demonstrated that athletes were responsible for their substance use.
After reviewing the evidence, Clothier said, “we were satisfied that Mr Ujah did indeed swallow a tainted supplement.” However, Clothier also concluded that Mr. Ujah failed to provide sufficient evidence to show that his level of responsibility warranted a shorter period of ineligibility.
Athletes should be wary about using supplements because they may contain banned chemicals.
It is the responsibility of every athlete to know with absolute certainty what they are putting into their body. Put it out of your mind if there’s even a shred of uncertainty.