Samba-Mayela provisionally suspended over alleged whereabouts failures

France's Olympic 100m hurdles silver medallist Cyrena Samba-Mayela has been provisionally suspended over alleged whereabouts failures, with the Athletics Integrity Unit listing a notice of allegation against her. BBC Sport reported on Friday, September 25, that the 25-year-old's temporary suspension had been confirmed, a week after it was imposed on September 18.

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The AIU's public register identifies the case under Article 2.4 and records its status as a notice of allegation issued. The body explains that provisional suspension temporarily prevents participation in athletics competitions or activities before a final decision. The entry is therefore not a final ruling on the allegation, and BBC Sport reported that the case could lead to a two-year ban.

A representative for Samba-Mayela told AFP, in comments reported by BBC Sport, that she had never tested positive for a prohibited substance. The representative said the proceedings concerned administrative whereabouts obligations rather than substance use, and that the athlete was continuing to meet response deadlines and co-operate. That account remains her representative's statement while the AIU process continues.

Whereabouts information enables anti-doping officials to locate athletes for unannounced testing, including when they travel or attend training camps away from home. BBC Sport explained that three failures within a year, including missed tests or inaccurate location information, can bring punishment. Samba-Mayela also missed August's European Championships through injury, according to the broadcaster.

Her international record includes the Olympic silver medal she won in Paris in 2024 and a European outdoor title earlier that summer. World Athletics' report from the championships in Rome records her 100m hurdles victory in 12.31 seconds, a championship record and the fastest time in the world that season at that point. Ditaji Kambundji finished second in 12.40, with Pia Skrzyszowska third in 12.42.

Samba-Mayela had previously won the world indoor 60m hurdles title in Belgrade in 2022. World Athletics recorded her winning time of 7.78 seconds as a French record, ahead of Devynne Charlton in 7.81 and Gabriele Cunningham in 7.87. Those championship results form the sporting backdrop to a case that currently remains at the provisional-suspension stage, rather than a completed disciplinary outcome.