Nigerian Boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore Disqualified from Paris Olympics Due to Doping Violation

PARIS (AP) — Nigerian boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore has been disqualified from the women’s tournament at the Paris Olympics after testing positive for a banned substance, the International Testing Agency (ITA) announced on Saturday. The 22-year-old lightweight champion, who was set to compete in the round of 16, tested positive for furosemide, a diuretic known for its ability to mask the presence of other performance-enhancing drugs. Ogunsemilore, who claimed the African Games title in her weight class last year and earned a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, is now provisionally suspended and will not participate in the Olympic Games. The ITA confirmed that the sample leading to her disqualification was collected on Thursday, just days before her scheduled match. This incident marks the second doping violation reported at the Paris Olympics, following the announcement that Iraqi judoka Sajjad Sehen tested positive for two anabolic steroids. The ITA continues to enforce strict anti-doping measures to ensure fair competition at the Games. As the Olympics approach, the focus remains on maintaining the integrity of the sporting event, with authorities committed to addressing doping violations promptly. Ogunsemilore's disqualification serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating performance-enhancing drug use in sports.