French hurdler Cyrena Samba-Mayela, who secured silver in the 100m hurdles at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, has been handed a temporary suspension. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed on Friday that the 25-year-old's sanction, imposed on September 18, is for failing to disclose her whereabouts to anti-doping officials.
This suspension could potentially lead to a two-year ban. A representative for Samba-Mayela informed French news agency AFP that the investigation is focused solely on administrative whereabouts requirements, and not on the use of any prohibited substances. The representative added that Samba-Mayela has never returned a positive anti-doping test and is cooperating fully with the ongoing procedure.
Elite athletes are required to provide their locations to anti-doping officials to facilitate random doping tests. Penalties can be imposed for three failures within a year, such as missed tests or inaccurate information.