Wales Hurdler Rhys Williams Suspended From Commonwealth Games Over Doping Violation

Welsh Hurdler Williams Suspended Over Doping Violation
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Rhys Williams, the Wales' 400 metres hurdles champion, has been provisionally suspended after being charged with an anti-doping violation.

The 30-year-old, the son of rugby union great JJ Williams, becomes the second Welsh athlete to be forced out of the Commonwealth Games over an alleged anti-doping violation after 800m runner Gareth Warburton.

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Welsh Athletics is concerned that Rhys Williams is the second anti-doping violation case involving their athletes

Welsh Athletics said in a statement: "Welsh Athletics can confirm the provisional suspension of Rhys Williams after being charged with committing an anti-doping rule violation under the IAAF Anti-Doping Rules.

"Rhys has the opportunity to respond to the charges against him and to have those charges determined at a full hearing before the national anti-doping panel.

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Williams was one of the Queen's baton runners in the build up to the Games

"Welsh Athletics strongly supports clean sport and has established a comprehensive education programme for its athletes.

"Welsh Athletics is obviously concerned that this is the second anti-doping violation by a senior Welsh international athlete and will be conducting its own internal review.

"Welsh Athletics will not be making any further comment."