Olympic medallist Samba-Mayela handed provisional doping ban / Photo: Andy Buchanan - AFP/File
Olympic medallist Samba-Mayela handed provisional doping ban
French hurdler Cyrena Samba-Mayela has been temporarily suspended after failing to notify anti-doping officials of her whereabouts, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Friday.
The 100m hurdles silver medallist from the 2024 Olympic Games has been banned since September 18 and risks a two-year suspension.
The 25-year-old withdrew from August's European Championships due to injury.
"I confirm that Cyrena Samba-Mayela has never returned a positive result on any anti-doping test," her representative told AFP.
"The procedure mentioned is ongoing before the AIU and concerns exclusively administrative whereabouts requirements, and not the use of any substance whatsoever.
"She continues to respond within the allotted timeframes and to cooperate fully.
"Out of respect for this procedure, she will not be making any further comment," the representative added.
Elite athletes have strict requirements about informing anti-doping officials about their locations, such as at training camps or when travelling.
They must provide a time and location each day to comply with rules regarding unannounced doping tests.
Three failures within a year to comply with the requirements, such as a missed test or inaccurate information given to the anti-doping agency, are punishable.
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