The sport of powerlifting consists of multiple federations, but when it comes to drug-tested lifters, the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) is the biggest one in the world. As such, the athletes in the IPF are subject to strict regulations when it comes to substance use and testing protocols. Well, according to a recent IPF announcement, one of the greatest deadlifters in the federation, Nonso Chinye, has been suspended from competing for 18 months due to breaching the anti-doping policy.
The IPF Statement revealed that Nonso Chinye was suspended for “whereabouts failures”. This rule is enforced if the athletes miss doping tests or fail to file their location and schedule on three occasions within one year. What this means is that Nonso did not actually test positive for any banned substances but rather failed to adhere to the testing protocols. Consequently, his sanction will run out on July 9th, 2027.
“International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) has issued an anti-doping rule violation, which includes an 18-month period of ineligibility against Nonso Chinye from Great Britain for violation of IPF Anti-Doping Rule Article 2.4 – Whereabouts Failures by an Athlete.
The athlete’s period of ineligibility will conclude on 09 July 2027. Until that time, the Athlete is subject to a prohibition against participation pursuant to Article 10.4.1 of the IPF Anti-Doping Rules.” — IPF Statement
Nonso Chinye also shared a post on Instagram, taking accountability for the anti-doping rule violation and explaining exactly what happened. He plans to use the 18 months to continue to grow and improve his abilities. Moreover, Nonso will also remain on the ADAMS (Anti-Doping Administration and Management System) list and will continue to be tested. He plans on remaining a clean athlete and understands that, although this was caused by an administrative error, the consequences still apply.
“I want to be upfront and honest about a mistake I have made.
I am suspended from competing in the IPF for 18 months. I want to preface this by saying I am clean, I have always been a clean athlete, and this is a mistake made through administrative negligence.
Due to competing at the highest level in powerlifting, I was emailed to join the ADAMS list. In powerlifting, this is essentially a list where you agree to be randomly drug tested at one hour at any point during the day.
Through negligence on my own end, I didn’t see this email and I didn’t respond to it, and that counts as a strike. I was then emailed again to join the list and fill in my information. I filled in the information, but I did it incorrectly, which caused a second strike. They then came to test me at my university accommodation and due to the way my university accommodation is set up, you need a key in order to enter. So, as they weren’t able to enter, this counts as a third strike.
With three strikes you receive a suspension from the IPF… I am truly sorry and I am really disappointed in myself and I recognize that I have let both myself and you guys down…”
Check out Nonso Chinye’s full statement here:
Nonso Chinye has taken part in a total of 13 sanctioned powerlifting competitions over the course of four years. He has won nine of them, including multiple Junior and Sub-Junior World, European, and National championships. Chinye also placed second at the 2025 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships, showing just how much potential he has at 20 years old.
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