The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has handed a three-year ban to Nigerian Para powerlifter Kafilat Almaruf after she was found guilty of doping. The ban was enforced following her positive test for an anabolic agent, which was discovered in a urine sample taken during an out-of-competition test on July 11, 2024.
This doping violation goes against the IPC Anti-Doping Code, which promotes clean sport and fair competition. As a result, Almaruf is now ineligible to compete in the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, marking a significant setback for her career.
“Almaruf’s(GC/C/IRMS), differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) naturally produced by the body and prohibited anabolic agents of external origin. The GC/C/IRMS analysis confirmed the presence of an anabolic agent of exogenous origin in Almaruf’s urine sample.”
“Exogenous anabolic steroids are included on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2024 Prohibited List under the class S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) and are prohibited at all times.”
The athlete was provisionally suspended by the IPC on 19 August 2024 pending a resolution of her case. The athlete accepted the commission of the ADRV and the consequences proposed by the IPC.
As a result of her violation, the athlete will be ineligible for competition and other sporting activities (other than authorised anti-doping education or rehabilitation programmes) for three years from 19 August 2024 until 18 August 2027.
All results obtained by the athlete from the date the sample was collected (11 July 2024) until the commencement of the provisional suspension (19 August 2024) are also disqualified, with all resulting consequences, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
Each athlete is strictly liable for the substances found in their sample. An ADRV occurs whenever a prohibited substance (or its metabolites or markers) is found in their sample, whether or not the athlete intentionally or unintentionally used a prohibited substance or was negligent or otherwise at fault.
The IPC’s decision emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity in sports and serves as a reminder to athletes about the serious consequences of doping. Almaruf’s case highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure that all Paralympic athletes compete on a level playing field.
