The Nigerian runner, a favourite in the women’s 100m sprint, tested positive for a human growth hormone, according to The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). Ms Okagbare, 32, was set to compete in the semi-final race today having won her heat on Friday.
In a statement, the AIU said: “The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended Blessing Okagbare of Nigeria today with immediate effect after a sample collected from the sprinter tested positive for human Growth Hormone.
“Growth Hormone is a non-specified substance on the 2021 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List and a provisional suspension is mandatory following an adverse analytical finding for such substance under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules.
“The AIU collected the sample from Ms Okagbare during an out-of-competition test on July 19.
“The WADA-accredited laboratory that analysed the sample notified the AIU of the adverse analytical finding at mid-day Central European Time yesterday, Friday, July 30.
“The athlete was notified of the adverse analytical finding and of her provisional suspension this morning in Tokyo.
“She was scheduled to participate in the semi-finals of the women’s 100m this evening.
“The AIU will make no further comment on this matter at this time.”
The AIU is an independent body which manages all integrity issues – both doping and non-doping – for the sport of athletics.
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Her premature departure could now pave the way for a British medal in the athletics.
If Dina Asher-Smith wins her semi-final race today she will be in the running to become the first British woman to win an Olympic individual sprint gold.