PARIS - Women's hurdles world record-holder Tobi Amusan said Wednesday she has been charged with an alleged anti-doping rule violation, casting doubt on her participation in next month's world championships.
"Today the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has charged me with an alleged rule violation for having 3 missed tests in 12 months," the Nigerian said in a post on Instagram.
The AIU later issued a statement on social media confirming "that it has today charged and provisionally suspended Tobi Amusan (NGR) for 3 Whereabouts Failures."
The sport's doping watchdog added: "The Charge will be heard by the Disciplinary Tribunal and determined before the World Athletics Championships."
Amusan, 26, set the current world record for the women's 100m hurdles of 12.12 seconds at last year's world athletics championships in Eugene, Oregon.
She vowed to resolve the charges against her before the August 19-27 championships in Budapest.
"I intend to fight this charge and will have my case decided by a tribunal of 3 arbitrators before the start of next month's World Championships," she said.
"I am a CLEAN ATHLETE, and I am regularly; (maybe more than the usual) tested by the AIU - I was tested within days of my third 'missed test.' I have FAITH that this will be resolved in my favour and that I will be competing at the World Championships in August."
Amusan's representatives did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.
On Sunday, Amusan took part in the Silesia Diamond League competition in Poland, where she set a new meeting record of 12.34sec.
At the Golden Spike athletics meet in the Czech Republic last month, she finished in third place in the women's 100m hurdles, losing to reigning Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico, who claimed victory in 12.42sec.
When asked by reporters about improving her world record pace, she said: "Nothing is impossible and 11 seconds? Most definitely".
But she was less confident about an ongoing debate on raising hurdles to give priority to technique over speed.
"Don't do that, don't raise the hurdles. Please," said Amusan, who is 5'1 (156 centimetres) tall.
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