A decision is the case of World Athletics against Blessing Okagbare has been issued by the Disciplinary Tribunal.
On 20 September 2021, the AIU issued Ms Okagbare with a Notice of Charge for committing an Anti-Doping Rule Violation under Article 2.1 and 2.2 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules (ADR) after testing positive for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance. On the same date, the AIU also issued Ms Okagbare with a Notice of Rule 12 Proceedings, pursuant to Rule 5.7.4 of the Rules, for failing to comply with the AIU's demands in the content of an investigation.
Ms Okagbare requested the matter be resolved before the Disciplinary Tribunal and a hearing was held on 31 January 2022.
The Disciplinary Tribunal, consisting of Christopher Quinlan QC as sole arbitrator, heard both charges and determined that Ms Okagbare has committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation pursuant to Article 2.1 and 2.2 of the ADR, resulting in a five (5) year period of Ineligibility and found that the Athlete failed to comply with the Demand, imposing a consecutive period of Ineligibility of five (5) years. The total period of Ineligibility of ten (10) years is imposed on the Athlete, commencing on 31 July 2021.
Sport Resolutions is the independent secretariat to the World Athletics Disciplinary Tribunal
A copy of the full decision can be accessed via the related documents tab on the right-hand side
To visit the Athletics Integrity Unit website, please click here.