The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has banned Nijel Amos for three years, from 12 July 2022 – the date of his provisional suspension – until 11 July 2025, for breaching the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules (ADR). His results on and since 4 June 2022 have been disqualified. The Botswana runner’s charge – the presence of a Prohibited Substance (Rule 2.1 ADR) and the use of a Prohibited Substance (Rule 2.2 ADR) – stems from an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) in an out-of-competition urine sample which Amos provided on 4 June 2022, in Rabat, Morocco.
Metabolites of GW1516 (a Prohibited Substance under the WADA 2022 Prohibited List; category S4 Hormone and Metabolic Modulators) were found in the sample. GW1516 modifies how the body metabolizes fat. It was originally synthesized and evaluated for the treatment of obesity, diabetes and other disorders caused by metabolic problems but is now not approved for human use. Additionally, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has advised of its health risks for athletes.
At Amos’ request, his B Sample was analysed (on 1 September 2022), and it confirmed the AAF in the A Sample. The athlete then asked for a supplement, which he allegedly consumed prior to the AAF, to be analysed also for the presence of GW1516. On 17 February 2023, the AIU provided Amos with a laboratory report confirming “no GW1516 had been detected in either the opened or the sealed
bottle” of the supplement that he submitted for analysis. On 21 March 2023, in the absence of an explanation for the AAF, Amos was issued with a Notice of Charge by the AIU for committing Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) under Rule 2.1 ADR and Rule 2.2 ADR. He was informed the ADRVs
warranted a four-year ban and invited to confirm how he wanted to proceed with the matter.
Amos returned a signed Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences Form on 10 April 2023. He has therefore received a one-year reduction in his ban for early admission and acceptance of sanction in accordance with Rule 10.8.1 of the ADR.
