Nigerian boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore suspended from Olympics after doping test

Nigerian boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore has been suspended from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris for violating anti-doping rules.

According to the International Testing Agency (ITA), furosemide was detected in a sample taken from Ogunsemilore. The substance is classified by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as a diuretic and masking agent.

This sample was taken in Paris on Thursday, just one day before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, and the results came back on Saturday from a WADA-accredited laboratory.

In a statement on Saturday, the ITA said Cynthia Ogunsemilore had been informed of the violation and was provisionally suspended pending resolution of the matter.

“The athlete was informed of the case and provisionally suspended until the matter is resolved,” said the agency.

“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 can appeal her suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport and request an analysis of her B sample.

The 22-year-old boxer, who competes in the under 60 kg class, was scheduled to make her Olympic debut on Monday.

Since the start of the Games, two other athletes have also been suspended.

Iraqi judoka Sajjad Sehen tested positive for banned anabolic steroids and Dominican volleyball player Lisvel Eve Mejia tested positive for furosemide.