Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles, has been given clearance to compete in the Paris Olympics following a decision by the sport’s top court to dismiss appeals against her cleared doping offense.

Amusan, 27, faced allegations of missing three anti-doping tests within a year, but was exonerated by World Athletics’ Disciplinary Tribunal.

World Athletics and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) contested this decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

CAS announced that its panel “unanimously acknowledged that the Athlete committed two filing failures but did not confirm the existence of a missed test alleged by WA and WADA, which would have constituted the third Whereabouts Failure within a 12-month period.”

Amusan set the world record of 12.12 seconds at the world championships in Eugene, Oregon, in July 2022, where she also secured the title.

Tobi Amusan, who finished sixth in the world championships in Budapest last year, remains eligible for competition despite the scrutiny of World Athletics’ anti-doping rules.

These regulations stipulate that any athlete failing to report their whereabouts for a doping test three times within a year faces a two-year ineligibility period.

Kylian Mbappe is back in the France starting line-up for Tuesday’s Euro 2024 clash with Poland, his first appearance since suffering a broken nose against Austria just over a week ago.

Mbappe injured himself late on in the 1-0 victory over the Austrians on June 17 and did not play any part in last Friday’s 0-0 draw with the Netherlands in Leipzig as a result.

The new Real Madrid signing, who must wear a protective face mask, captains a France side who have already qualified for the last 16 before the Group D finale in Dortmund.

He returns in one of two changes made by coach Didier Deschamps to his line-up, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola getting a first international start as Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram drop out.

Where France finish in the section depends both on their result and the outcome of the simultaneous encounter between the Netherlands and Austria.

Poland are already eliminated but their captain and record goal-scorer Robert Lewandowski makes his first start of the competition after injury.

From AFP

Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Lawal (retd.), a distinguished former Minister of Youth and Sports and Military Administrator of Benue State, has passed away at the age of 83.

He died peacefully in his sleep at his home early on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

The sad news was confirmed by his daughter, Mrs. Yinka Enahoro, and verified by retired Air Commodore Sani Zakari, Sergeant At Arms at the National Assembly.

Born on September 14, 1941, in Offa, Kwara State, AVM Lawal was a trailblazing officer in the Nigerian Air Force, where he began his career in 1963 and received pilot training in West Germany.

His distinguished service included commanding roles such as NAF Port Harcourt Commander (1969-1970), Enugu Air Force Base Commander (1970-1972), and multiple terms as NAF Kano Commander (1972-1973, 1975-1977).

He also served as Air Officer Commanding HQ Tactical Air Command NAF Makurdi from 1977 to 1978.

Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Lawal (retd.), remembered as “a very active and vibrant fighter pilot,” contributed significantly to the nation beyond his military service.

He served as the Military Governor of Benue State from July 1978 to October 1979 and later held the position of Federal Minister of Youth and Sports.

Following his retirement from active service, Lawal ventured into business and dedicated himself to philanthropy rooted in his faith as a devoted Muslim.

In addition to his legacy of service and contributions, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Lawal (retd.) is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.