England’s 4x100m women’s relay team upgraded to Commonwealth gold

England’s 4x100m women’s relay team have been upgraded to 2022 Commonwealth Games gold following the disqualification of original winners Nigeria because of an anti-doping violation.

The English quartet of Asha Philip, Imani-Lara Lansiquot, Bianca Williams and Daryll Neita finished second in Birmingham last summer. However, the Commonwealth Games Federation has announced Nigeria sprinter Nzubechi Grace Nwokocha had returned an adverse finding in her sample for two banned anabolic agents. Nwokocha’s results from the 100m, 200m and sprint relay have been disqualified, with the matter passed on to the Athletics Integrity Unit for any further sanctions.

England’s subsequent promotion to gold sees them retain the Commonwealth relay title, with Jamaica awarded second place and Australia now taking bronze. Ashleigh Nelson, who ran in the heat, will also receive a gold medal as part of the England relay squad. The upgrade sees England’s athletics tally from Birmingham stand at eight gold, 14 silver and 12 bronze medals as part of a record overall total of 176.

“Our team really deserves it as we work hard to achieve these medals,” Neita said. “It is a bittersweet feeling, now finding out we won gold.

“It feels amazing. However, it remains unknown as to what it would have felt like in the moment with the home crowd celebrating that win in Birmingham.”