French hurdler Samba-Mayela hit with whereabouts-related suspension
French hurdler Cyrena Samba-Mayela, silver medallist in the 100m hurdles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been provisionally suspended for failing to disclose her whereabouts to anti-doping officials, a breach that could lead to a two-year ban.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed on Friday that 25-year-old French athlete Cyrena Samba-Mayela has been provisionally suspended over an anti-doping whereabouts issue. The sanction was imposed on September 18.
Samba-Mayela won silver in the 100m hurdles at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She withdrew from last month's European Championships due to injury.
Case limited to whereabouts requirements
A representative for the athlete told French news agency AFP that Samba-Mayela has never returned a positive anti-doping test, and that the ongoing procedure before the AIU relates solely to administrative whereabouts requirements rather than the use of any prohibited substance. The representative added that she continues to respond to requests within the required timeframes and is fully cooperating with the process.
How whereabouts rules work
Elite athletes must keep anti-doping authorities informed of their location at all times, including when attending training camps or travelling, so that random drug tests can be carried out. Three failures within a 12-month period — such as a missed test or providing inaccurate location details — can trigger sanctions, potentially including a ban of up to two years.
