Britain's Zharnel Hughes could be upgraded to 200m gold at the European Athletics Championships after winner Owen Ansah was reported for allegedly failing to comply with a doping test. Ansah, who beat Hughes in Friday's final in Birmingham, faces a potential four-year ban.
Race and Allegation
Ansah won the men's 200m final in 19.95 seconds at the Alexander Stadium, overtaking Hughes in the home straight. However, the National Anti Doping Agency of Germany (NADA) last week stated that Ansah had refused or failed to submit to sample collection. NADA has called for a four-year ban, but he was allowed to compete because no immediate suspension was imposed.
Ansah disputes the violation. He said an anti-doping official arrived at his house for an out-of-competition test as he was leaving for Monaco, and he could not provide a urine sample, adding he was unaware of the consequences.
Possible Upgrade and Reaction
NADA has given Ansah 20 days to respond or request disciplinary proceedings. If the ban stands, he would be stripped of his medals, including a 100m bronze, with other athletes promoted.
After his win, Ansah said: "I hope everyone will know my name now. This was the goal – to leave the Europeans with two medals, a bronze and gold is amazing for me." He added: "The 100m bronze was just a warm up for me. The 200m was always the main goal."
Hughes, who took silver, said: "Today's race was a good one. I felt good and came round the bend with so much speed I thought I was out of control. But suddenly Ansah was away from me 20 metres from the end. It sucks but I gave my all." He added he was focusing on the relay.
