Nigerian boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore suspended from 2024 Olympic Games in Paris due to doping violation

The ITA reported that a sample taken from Ogunsemilore tested positive for furosemide, a diuretic and masking agent that is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned substances list. The sample was taken in Paris on Thursday, just a day before the Olympic Games opening ceremony, and the results were confirmed by a WADA-accredited laboratory on Saturday.

In an official statement, the ITA confirmed that Ogunsemilore has been informed of her violation and is provisionally suspended pending further investigation. “The athlete has been informed of the case and provisionally suspended pending resolution of the matter,” the ITA said. “This means that the athlete will not be allowed to compete, train, coach or participate in any other activities during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.”

Ogunsemilore, who was due to make her Olympic debut in the under-60kg boxing category on Monday, has the opportunity to challenge the ban before the Court of Arbitration for Sport and request a B-sample analysis.

The 22-year-old joins two other athletes who have been banned since the start of the Games: Iraqi judoka Sajjad Sehn, who tested positive for anabolic steroids, and Dominican volleyball player Lisvel Eve Mejia, who also tested positive for furosemide.

Letter response

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