CANADA’s show jumping place at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games hangs in the balance after team athlete Nicole Walker (26) tested positive for a prohibited substance at the Pan-American Games in Lima, Peru, where they secured their qualification when finishing fourth.
Walker has been provisionally suspended by the FEI after testing positive for Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, which is a prohibited substance under the FEI’s Anti-Doping Rules for Human Athletes (ADRHA), at the event.
The sample was taken on August 7th, the day of the team final in Lima. Walker, who is trained by Ireland’s Cian O’Connor and Mark Kinsella, also finished fourth with Falco Van Spieveld in the individual final.
In a statement, Walker said: “I was shocked and devastated to hear about these results. I do not use illicit drugs, ever. Whether in Peru, or in any competition setting for that matter, I am always fully aware of the possibility of being tested and would never expose myself to any substance that could test positive.
“My Canadian teammates, my team in the barn, our horses and I, have all put a lifetime of effort towards an Olympic goal, and I would never do anything to jeopardize that for my teammates or for myself. I’m extremely grateful to everyone for their support and to my teammates for standing with me.”
Walker has exercised her right to request a hearing before the Panam Sports Disciplinary Commission.
An FEI statement said: “Once the Disciplinary Commission has made a decision on the disqualification of the athlete, and team Canada’s final placing, the FEI will be in a position to make any necessary reallocation of the Olympic quota place.”
“As Nikki’s show jumping coach for nearly seven years, I have witnessed nothing but her exemplary dedication, integrity and commitment to this sport,” Cian O’Connor said. “Nikki is a person of the highest standards, in and out of competition, and does not use drugs. I have no doubt that there is another explanation for these results and that her good name will be cleared.”