Amos misses doping test
Correspondent | Friday March 6, 2015 18:00
According to a letter from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), a doping control officer failed to locate Amos at the given address in Potchefstroom in South Africa on February 12.
It is the first time that Amos has missed a doping test and will likely escape with a warning. However, if an athlete misses three tests, he or she faces a ban of between one and two years. He was expected to respond to IAAF concerning his no-show by last week. Efforts to get a comment from Amos were futile at press time as his phone rang unanswered while the BAA confirmed the development.
By failing to avail himself, Amos infringed the rules concerning athletes’ whereabouts. In accordance with strict anti-doping rules, professional athletes are supposed to notify the authorities of their whereabouts on a daily basis, and make themselves available for testing from the early hours until late at night.
The World Anti-Doping Agency had to report a “no show” after failing to locate Amos at his rented flat in Potchefstroom. That weekend the star was spotted in the country and even attended a BAA athletics competition.BAA spokesperson, Roland Masalila said the association received a letter from IAAF concerning Amos’ violation.
“It is true we have received a letter from the IAAF. It confirms that Nijel was nowhere to be found when the officials contacted him two hours before the tests,” said Masalila. He said it was not the first time he had violated the WADA rules by not pitching for random tests, although he was unsure if it was the second or third time. “Yes, its not the first time though I am not sure if it is the second or third time. If it is the third time then it means he will face action from relevant authorities,” Masalila explained.
An anti-doping expert told Mmegi Sport athletes must always fill a ‘Where about’ form.
“Athletes fill a where-about form to notify the anti-doping agency of their movement.
“They want approximate movement so that they can locate the athlete. If the athlete has to move away (from their usual location) then they have to update the form,” said the official.
He said the mistake that most athletes make is to change location without updating the where-about forms, which are filled online.
“It is an online system where athletes submit their where-about form. If one violates for the first time, they usual escape with a warning, but subsequent violations might mean the athlete is deliberately avoiding testing.”According to IAAF, three ‘Whereabouts Failures’ in a period of 18 months may lead to the athlete being charged with an anti-doping rule violation, attracting a sanction of between one and two years ineligibility.