Olympic medalist hurdler Cyréna Samba-Mayela suspended for alleged missed doping tests

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Olympic silver medalist hurdler Cyréna Samba-Mayela has been provisionally suspended during an investigation into missed doping control tests, track and field investigators said Friday.

The 25-year-old French runner took silver in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2024 Paris Olympics behind champion Masai Russell of the United States. It was France’s only track and field medal at the Summer Games.

The Athletics Integrity Unit said it served a notice of allegation on Samba-Mayela for suspected “whereabouts” failures. No details were given about her missed appointments, or the timetable for a disciplinary case.

Athletes must file updated details in the global anti-doping database of where they can be found for a one-hour period each day to meet sample collection officials making unannounced visits.

Three missed tests in a 12-month period leads to a provisional suspension and prosecution. A ban could rule Samba-Mayela out of the Los Angeles Olympics in July 2028.

She was the European champion in 2024 and world indoors gold medalist in the 60-meter hurdles in 2022.

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