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Commonwealth 100m champion fails drug test

Katharine Endacott finished fourth in the 100m final © PA Photos

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England's Katharine Endacott could be set to receive the most unlikely of silver medals after Commonwealth 100m champion Osayemi Oludamola tested positive in a post-event drugs test.

Oludamola claimed first place in the women's 100m after initial winner, Sally Pearson of Australia, was disqualified for a false start upon appeal. That decision saw Nigerian sprinter Oludamola handed the gold medal, while England's Endacott leaped into the bronze medal position.

However, news of Oludamola's failed test on Monday means Natasha Mayers of St Vincent and the Grenadines stands to become Commonwealth 100m champion, with Endacott earning the silver medal.

Games Federation president Mike Fennell confirmed news of the failed test on Monday, and he promised that an official line would be given within 24 hours following Oludamola's scheduled hearing.

"We have conducted over 950 drugs tests and I have to report that we have had a positive result," stated Fennell. "That result was in relation to the winner of the 100m final, the Nigerian Osayemi Oludamola.

"She has been notified in accordance with the anti-doping standard that applies to the Games. She has requested the testing of the B sample. The B sample will be tested by the laboratory today and hearing will be held later today.

"We don't know what damage this will cause the Games but I want to assure everyone that we are being vigilant with our testing.

"At the moment no decision has been made on the medals. There is a provisional suspension and her hearing will be held this afternoon."

There could be light at the end of the tunnel for Oludamola though, with former distance runner Steve Cram explaining that the Nigerian's case is not uncommon.

"The stimulant she has been caught for has caused problems for athletes over the past year," Cram was quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "It's a commonly used stimulant as a nasal decongestant and, leading into the Games, there were 11 Indians from different sports who had tested positive for methylhexaneamine, so it's pretty prevelant."

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