The Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare was suspended ten years for use of prohibited substances and for not cooperating in the investigation carried out by the anti-doping authorities, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced this Friday.
Okagbare, 33, who she was one of the athletes with medal options in the 100 meters at the Tokyo Olympicshad been provisionally suspended and excluded from the Games just before the semi-finals of the hectometer on July 31, 2021by doping with a growth hormone in an out-of-competition control on July 19.
In early October 2021, he tested positive for EPO.
The AIU specified that The Nigerian was suspended for five years for “repeated use of prohibited products” and another five years for “her refusal to cooperate with the AIU investigation.”
“A ten-year suspension sends a strong message against deliberate attempts and coordinated efforts to cheat at the highest level of our sport,” said Brett Clothier, head of the AIU.
Okagbare was part of a group of elite athletes based in Florida, and was trained by American Rana Reider, which also includes Trayvon Bromell and recent Canadian 200m Olympic champion Andre de Grasse.
The AIU indicated that Okagbare has 30 days to appeal the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). (D)
Source: Eluniverso
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