Commonwealth 100m champion fails drugs test

The Commonwealth Games have suffered yet another blow after the winner of the women's 100m, Nigerian Osayemi Oludamola, failed a drugs test.

After a series of organisational cock-ups the last thing the Games needed was a doping scandal, but Oludamola tested positive for banned stimulant methylhexanamine and now faces being stripped of her gold medal.

Oludamola came in second behind Australian Sally Pearson in the final last week, but she was awarded the gold medal some three hours after the event when Pearson was disqualified, following an appeal, because of a false start.

To make matters even more farcical, if the Nigerian is also disqualified, the gold could pass to Natasha Mayers of St Vincent and the Grenadines, who actually crossed the line in third place. England's Katharine Endacott, who finished out of the medals in fourth place would be promoted to silver.

Games president Mike Fennell confirmed the failed test on Monday, and said a decision on whether to strip Oludamola of her medal would be made after a hearing.

"Any positive test, whether it's in a high profile event or not, is something that is very much regretted. We all strive for clean games, clean sport and clean competition," said Fennell.

"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."

Oludamola claimed, through the Atheltics Federation of Nigeria, that the result was down to prescription medicine given to her for a toothache and said she would fight the test results.

The range of sanctions that apply to methylhexanamine have recently been downgraded by the World Anti Doping Agency because it can be picked up in small doses and is often contained in cough and cold medications and some cooking oils.

Several athletes have failed tests for the drug recently, but most were given a lenient three-month suspension. Methylhexanamine increases alertness and can help with weight loss. ·