New Delhi:
The Commonwealth Games was on Moday rocked by its first doping case when Nigerian women's 100m gold medallist Osayemi Oludamola tested positive for a banned stimulant.
Commonwealth Games Federation chief Michael Fennell announced on Monday morning that Osayemi tested positive for methylhaxaneamine and her 'B' sample test and hearing will be held later in the day.
"I regret to announce that a positive dope case has come out. Nigeria's Osayemi Oludamola has tested positive for methylhexaneamine and under anti-doping rules of the Games, she has been handed a provisional suspension," Fennell said at his customary media conference.
"Under anti-doping procedures she has been notified and she has requested for a 'B' sample testing. The 'B'sample testing will be done today and her hearing will also be held today," he added.
Asked whether the gold medal has been taken back from the Nigerian, the CGF chief said, "At the moment no decision has been taken about the medal. She has been put under provisional suspension."
Oludamola was handed gold after Australian Sally Pearson was stripped of her medal in a controversial 100m dash on Thursday for a false start. The Nigerian had crossed the finish line in second place behind the Aussie woman.
Fennell said the CGF wants the Games to be clean and would take "appropriate action" under anti-doping rules.
"We have taken 950 dope tests (against 1,500 targeted) and so around 700 results have come. We are very transparent and upfront in dealing with doping cases.
"At the same time there is also need to keep secrecy until the athlete is notified under anti-doping rules. We have done that and we regret any dope positive case whether the event is high profile or not. We want a clean Games and clean sports," he said.
Asked if the dope case will damage the image of the Games, he said, "But I don't know about any damage which would accrue to the Games by the dope case. We are very vigilant, testing and laboratory analysis will be of highest standard," he added.
Organising Committee Secretary General Lalit Bhanot said action would be taken if any athlete is found guilty of doping.
"We want a dope free Games and that is why we had done 1,500 tests. If anybody is caught doping, action will be taken under anti-doping rules. This will also give a message to others that doping cannot be condoned," Bhanot said.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has said the positive result is the result of the prescription medication she took for a toothache.
"She took medication for her toothache and we strongly suspect that it was that, which led to her failed drug test," AFN President Solomon Ogba told Nigerian news site
www.vanguardngr.com.