Charlotte Foster
Legal

Team GB rocked by doping controversy at Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Great Britain's men’s track team is in danger of having their silver medal being stripped, after one of its athletes tested positive for banned substances. 

Britain's Olympic 4x100m relay silver medallist Chijindu 'CJ' Ujah has been provisionally suspended for allegedly breaching strict anti-doping rules at the games.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) reported that athlete had returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) from a test carried during the Olympics in Japan. 

The substances detected were Ostarine and S-23, which are both classified by the World Anti-doping Organisation, as they have similar effects to steroids. 

The substances have been banned from the Olympics for some time, as they help build muscle and enhance overall sporting performance. 

CJ responded to the news of the doping scandal with a cryptic Instagram post that said, “Stay focused… Because truth is madder than fiction.” 

CJ is allowed to request independent analysis of the sample to prove his innocence and keep his Olympic title. 

If he is found guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs, it could be devastating for his fellow members of the relay team. 

Zharnel Hughes, Richard Kilty and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake will also be at risk of being stripped if the positive is confirmed.

The news comes after three other track and field athletes were suspended during the Games for suspected doping. 

Moroccan-born Bahraini 1,500m runner Sadik Mikhou, Georgian shot putter Benik Abramyan and Kenyan sprinter Mark Otieno Odhiambo were listed for using performance-enhancing drugs, and remain under investigation by the AIU. 

Image credit: Getty Images

Tags:
Olympics, Great Britain, doping, tokyo 2020, athlete, silver medal