Zharnel Hughes could be upgraded to 200m gold over winner's 'missed doping test'

Zharnel Hughes could be upgraded to 200m gold over winner's 'missed doping test' Britain's Zharnel Hughes took home a silver medal in the 200m final at the European Athletics Championships on Friday night, but there are question marks over winner Owen Ansah Owen Ansah won the gold medal in the final of the men's 200m at the European Athletics Championships on Friday night, despite facing a potential ban over allegedly failing to comply with a doping test. The German ran 19.95 to beat Britain's Zharnel Hughes to the finish line at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. Hughes held the lead coming into the home straight but was reeled in by the 25-year-old. Yet Ansah's moment of glory came with a significant asterisk following a statement from the National Anti Doping Agency of Germany (NADA) last week, which said he had refused or failed to submit to sample collection. NADA have called for a four-year ban for the sprinter, but he was free to compete in Birmingham because there was no immediate suspension. Ansah disputes the alleged violation. He has previously explained that an anti-doping official arrived at his house to conduct an out-of-competition test as he was leaving for Monaco. Ansah said he therefore couldn't provide a urine sample and explained that he wasn't aware of the potential consequences. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page NADA has given him 20 days to respond to the findings or “or request the initiation of disciplinary proceedings before the German Court of Arbitration for Sport.” If the four-year ban ends up standing then Ansah will be stripped of his medals from Birmingham, which also include a bronze in the 100m, with the athletes below him promoted. "I hope everyone will know my name now," Ansah said after his win on Friday night. "This was the goal – to leave the Europeans with two medals, a bronze and gold is amazing for me. "The stadium is crazy today. Before the race, I was told that the stadium was sold out and I wanted to give Birmingham a show. I did it. "The 100m bronze was just a warm up for me. The 200m was always the main goal. My coach always told me I am a 200m sprinter. Today I finally believed it." Hughes had mixed feelings after the race. "I have had a very up and down season," he said. "I have had very issues with my body which means I have had to make some adaptions throughout the season. "But I dug deep, refocused and knew I really wanted to come here and make a good effort, which was hard as I was exhausted mentally more than physically. I have to keep believing in myself and that is what I did." He added: "Today's race was a good one. I felt good and came round the bend with so much speed I thought I was out of control. I did my best to navigate it as best as I could and control the lactic. But suddenly Ansah was away from me 20 metres from the end. It sucks but I gave my all. "I am pleased to add silver to my European collection and I am here to get more. I am looking forward to joining the guys now and focusing for the relay."