French athlete Cyrena Samba-Maïla has been suspended following a breach of location reporting rules. The suspension was confirmed by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) on Friday, with the sanction imposed on 18 September.
Samba-Maïla won silver in the 100m hurdles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The provisional suspension could result in a two-year ban.
Her representative told the French news agency AFP that the athlete had never tested positive. He stated that the investigation was focused solely on a breach of location reporting rules.
The procedure, which is currently being handled by the AIU, relates exclusively to administrative requirements regarding location, and not to the use of any substance. He added that Sema-Maïla was continuing to respond within the set deadlines and was cooperating fully.
Elite athletes are required to inform anti-doping officials of their locations, for example if they are travelling or are at a training camp away from home. These locations are used for compliance with the rules for random doping tests. Three missed tests within a year, such as a missed test or incorrect information provided to anti-doping officials, can result in a sanction.
Sema-Maïla withdrew from the European Championships in August due to injury.
