European champion Ansah fights doping ban over alleged refused test

European champion sprinter Owen Ansah is contesting a proposed four-year ban from the National Anti-Doping Agency (Nada) following allegations of refusing a doping test. The sprinter, who won gold in the 200 meters and bronze in the 100 meters at the European Championships two weeks prior, denies refusing the test.

According to Ansah, the incident occurred on July 9 as he was preparing to travel to the Diamond League meeting in Monaco. He stated that he was under time pressure and had just visited the restroom when a doping control officer approached him. Ansah maintains he never refused to provide a sample, asserting that the controller appeared outside the designated time window.

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The sprinter emphasizes he never refused to give a sample at any time.

Instead of accepting the ban, Ansah has opted to pursue a disciplinary hearing at the German Sports Arbitration Tribunal. His lawyer, Rainer Cherkeh, indicated that no further statements would be made regarding the ongoing legal proceedings. The Nada confirmed that the case would proceed to arbitration, emphasizing its importance for a swift and effective resolution.

Despite the allegations, Ansah, who is also the German 100-meter record holder, is not currently suspended and can continue to compete. However, the potential annulment of his results and medals remains a possibility. The legal battle is expected to continue, with the German Sports Arbitration Tribunal set to decide on the matter. Both parties, as well as international athletics federations, have the option to appeal the tribunal's decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

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To further procedural details, especially regarding the timeline, Nada cannot make any statements. The procedure is up to the arbitration court. However, it is important to Nada that the procedure before the German Sports Arbitration Tribunal is carried out quickly and effectively.