Cyréna Samba-Mayela faces potential doping ban

French Olympic silver medalist Cyréna Samba-Mayela faces a potential doping ban of up to two years. According to reports from the French sports newspaper ‘L'Équipe’, the 25-year-old hurdler allegedly missed three anti-doping controls within a twelve-month period.

Under anti-doping regulations, three missed reporting or control requirements within one year are treated similarly to a positive doping test. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has reportedly requested that Samba-Mayela explain the alleged violations.

Samba-Mayela, who won silver in the 100m hurdles at the Paris 2024 Olympics and is a former European champion, has not been suspended at this time. If a sanction is imposed, her participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could be at risk. Neither the athlete nor the French athletics federation has issued a formal statement regarding the matter.