AMOS’ AGONY

Amos’ troubles date back to 12th July last year, when he recorded a failed drugs test at an event in Morocco in the build-up to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. He was immediately handed a provisional suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), and has been sidelined from the sport that made him ever since.

To add to the Silver Star’s confusion, just two days before his failed test, he was subjected to a random drugs test, which he passed with flying colours.

“I do not know what could have happened on the trip to Morocco,” Amos reiterated, adding having already spent roughly P300,000 trying to clear his name, he agreed with his legal team to pull the plug and not to appeal the case.

The substance he tested positive for, GW1516, was originally developed in the 1990s to help build endurance and burn fat and as a treatment for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, it was discontinued in 2007 after being found to cause cancer during tests on rodents and added to the World Anti-doping Agency’s prohibited list two years later after its illicit use as a doping agent emerged.

The AIU ruling says Amos initially asked for tests to be run on a supplement he had been taking before the positive test. No traces of GW1516 were found in either the bottle he had used or another, unopened bottle of the same supplement. He then signed a form admitting to the doping charges.

Ever the optimist, Amos insisted this was not the end.

He revealed he is already looking ahead to the 2025 World Champions in Tokyo, Japan, set for September, three months after his ban ends, to make his comeback.

“At least it [the ban] will be backdated and I will be able to compete in the 2025 World Championships. Right now, I just want to remain focused and train harder. Life goes on,” said Amos, who is planning a Press Conference for Friday.