Commonwealth Gold Medallist Nwokocha Provisionally Suspended For Using Illegal Drugs

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Saturday that Nigerian sprinter Nzubechi Grace Nwokocha, who took home a gold medal in the 4x100m relay at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, has been temporarily suspended for using illegal drugs. Last month in Birmingham, Nwokocha, 21, raced the anchor leg as Nigeria defeated Jamaica and England to win the gold. Nzubechi Grace Nwokocha, a Nigerian runner, has been temporarily suspended by the AIU due to the presence or use of prohibited substances (Ostarine and Ligandrol) (Article 2.1 and Article 2.2), the organization said on Twitter. The World Anti-Doping Organization forbids the use of both ostarine and ligandrol as anabolic agents (WADA). An athlete is prohibited from competing temporarily under a provisional suspension pending the outcome of a hearing held in accordance with WADA guidelines.

Nwokocha qualified for last year’s Tokyo Olympics and also entered the 100m and 200m at the world championships in Eugene this year, reaching the semi-finals in both events.