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Twenty-year-old, Oliver Dustin, an Olympic 800m medal threat for Great Britain allegedly tested positive for cocaine in Nice, France.
Dustin dropped jaws when he dusted Sebastian Coe’s British U23 record with a world-leading time of 1.43.82 on June 12th in Nice. Then two weeks later, he ran the British Olympic Trials and secured his position on the team for Tokyo with a second-place finish.
The French report says Dustin may claim his sample was contaminated. However, it will be difficult to prove that in time for Tokyo — which starts on July 23. Athletics begin on the 30th.
His agent, Stephen Haas, has said, “it is not factual at this point,” to call it a positive test.
If he is banned, the term may be backdated. American Sha’Carri Richardson who tested positive for cannabis, received a one-month ban, however, the time served will include the Olympic Games.
Some people have taken to social media to compare the two situations. For Oliver, it’s early, however, if cocaine was indeed found in his samples, he should be banned as the drug is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list.
"Sha’Carri Richardson will not compete in the 100m after testing positive for marijuana" vs "cocaine found in sample"
— glenallen chill (@glenallenchill) July 14, 2021
Dustin is currently ranked ninth during the Olympic qualification period with his 1:43.82 and first in the UK. Nijel Amos of Botswana is currently ranked number one, with his stunning comeback 1:42.91 last week in Monaco.
