‘I want to apologise for all this’: Stawell Gift winner apologises after losing title over drug test
The men’s winner of this year’s Stawell Gift, Olufemi Komolafe, has been stripped of the title and his prize money over an “integrity issue”.
The 21-year-old South Australian medical student won the famous Easter sprint in April off five metres in a time of 12.03 seconds.
The Victorian Athletic League and Stawell Gift Event Management both released statements on Wednesday, and athletics sources with knowledge of the matter confirmed Komolafe had been stripped of his Stawell win.
“Stawell Gift Event Management is aware of a matter relating to the 2026 Powercor Stawell Gift that is currently subject to Sport Integrity Australia processes. SGEM respects the integrity of this process, including the rights of all parties involved,” the SGEM posted on Instagram.
“The integrity of competition is fundamental to the Stawell Gift. SGEM is committed to providing a fair and level playing field for every athlete and respects the established processes for dealing with matters of this nature.
“SGEM will continue to work with Sport Integrity Australia, the Victorian Athletic League, Stawell Athletic Club and other relevant stakeholders as the matter progresses.
“SGEM recognises the interests of all participating athletes. Until the Sport Integrity Australia process is complete, SGEM will not make any comment on the individual circumstances of the matter.”
The Victorian Athletic League’s statement said it could “confirm an integrity issue and process is underway with an athlete related to the 2026 Stawell Gift”.
“We can’t comment at this stage until the process is completed by Sport Integrity Australia,” it added.
More to come
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