BY Victor Akhidenor
Weightlifter Chika Amalaha is facing a doping ban after her “B” sample confirmed the presence of banned substances.
The 16-year-old’s “A” sample tested positive for diuretics and masking agents after she won the 53kg division last Friday, becoming the youngest-ever female to win a weightlifting title at a Commonwealth Games.
Amalaha was initially suspended on Tuesday when the test detected amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide, both of which are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
After confirming the positive test, Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper said: “I can’t and won’t speculate on what the outcome might be.
“We have a robust process in place that must be followed to ensure fairness to all.”
Amalaha is the first athlete to fail a test at the Games, but Welsh 400m hurdler Rhys Williams and 800m runner Gareth Warburton both missed the competition after being charged with anti-doping rule violations. Both athletes deny knowingly taking any banned substance.
The World Anti-Doping Agency recommends a standard two-year ban for a first doping offence.
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