In a shocking twist of events, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has decided to strip Nigeria of its well-deserved gold medal in the women’s 4×100 meters event at Birmingham 2022.
The outstanding quartet of Tobi Amusan, Favour Ofili, Rosemary Chukwuma, and Grace Nwokocha had dazzled spectators with their unparalleled speed and skill, triumphantly seizing victory in the 4×100 meters race during last year’s Commonwealth Games (CWG).
However, the euphoria has now turned to disappointment as revelations emerged that Nwokocha, the valiant anchor runner for Team Nigeria, had failed a doping test during the event as there was the detection of ostarine and lingadrol in her urine sample.
Responding promptly, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) took decisive action by imposing an immediate provisional suspension on Nwokocha, effectively barring her from further participation in the sport.
In a sombre statement released on Friday, the Commonwealth Games Federation delivered the solemn verdict on this disheartening saga. The CGF Court resolutely disqualified Nwokocha and invalidated all her competition results.
“The Commonwealth Games Federation Court has delivered its judgment concerning an in-competition sample provided by Ms. Nwokocha, who showcased her exceptional talent in Athletics at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games,” stated the official statement.
“The analysis of the sample revealed an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for Ostarine and Dihydroxy-LGD-4033, a metabolite of Ligandrol. Both substances are classified as non-Specified Substances falling under the Other Anabolic Agents category, as specified in the WADA 2022 Prohibited List.
“As a consequence, all of Ms. Nwokocha’s results in the following events have been unequivocally disqualified, resulting in the forfeiture of any points and prizes: Athletics – Women’s 100m, Athletics – Women’s 200m, Athletics – Women’s 4x100m Relay, including the team’s forfeiture of the gold medal.”
The federation also disclosed that Nwokocha’s case has been duly forwarded to the AIU for further ramifications, indicating that her transgressions will not go unpunished.
Prior to the verdict, England, originally securing second place, will now add a gold medal to its feathers, Jamaica, with their outstanding performance, will be elevated to the silver spot, while Australia will be honoured with the bronze medal.