Tobi Amusan, the world record-holder in the women’s 100-meter hurdles, has been charged with an anti-doping rule violation for missing three drug tests in the span of a year.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the independent body that oversees anti-doping in track and field, announced the charge on Wednesday. Amusan has been provisionally suspended from competitions pending the outcome of the case.

The AIU said that Amusan missed tests on January 18, February 15, and March 14, 2023. Missing three drug tests within a 12-month period is a violation of the World Anti-Doping Code.

Amusan has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement that was released on her Instagram page late on Wednesday, she said she was “shocked and disappointed” by the charge, and that she would do everything to prove her innocence.

“I intend to fight this charge and will have my case decided by a tribunal of 3 arbitrators before the start of next month’s World Championships.

“I am a CLEAN ATHLETE, and I am regularly; (maybe more than the usual) tested by the AIU – I was tested within days of my third ‘missed test.’ I have FAITH that this will be resolved in my favour and that I will be competing at the World Championships in August”, she stated.

The 25-year-old Amusan is one of the most successful hurdlers in the world.

On Sunday, she participated in the Silesia Diamond League competition in Poland, where she set a new meeting record of 12.34sec. In 2022, she won the gold medal at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, and set the world record of 12.12 seconds in the semi-final. She is also the reigning African champion and Commonwealth Games champion.

The charge against Amusan is a major setback for her career. She was expected to be one of the favorites to win gold at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. However, she will now be ineligible to compete in the event.