Former Olympic medallist Blessing Okagbare gets 10-year doping ban for multiple violations

Nigerian sprinter and long jumper Blessing Okagbare has been handed a 10-year ban for the use of multiple prohibited substances and for her refusal to co-operate with the Athletics Integrity Unit’s (AIU) investigation. 

Okagbare won silver in the long jump at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and the 2013 World Championships in Moscow. She is also a world medallist in the 200 metres and holds the Women’s 100 metres Commonwealth Games record. 

The 33-year-old is the current African record holder in the 200m and was the 100m African record holder until 2016. 

At last year’s Tokyo Olympics, Okagbare won her first-round heat in the 100m with a time of 11.05 seconds. However, she was later suspended on 31st July 2021, when scheduled to take part in the semi-finals, after testing positive for somatotropin –– a human growth hormone, and recombinant erythropoietin. 

Subsequently, in accordance with Rule 12 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, she was charged with a refusal to co-operate with the AIU after they pressed charges.

A press release from the AIU reads: “The Disciplinary Tribunal has banned sprinter Blessing Okagbare for a total of 10 years, five for the presence and use of multiple prohibited substances and five years for the refusal to co-operate with the AIU’s investigation into her case.” 

The Anti-Doping rules state that “If you intended to cheat, whatever the substance, the period of ineligibility is four years.” 

Sprinter Blessing Okagbare has been banned for 10 years for the presence/use of multiple prohibited substances and for her refusal to co-operate with the AIU’s investigation. #Athletics #Nigeria #trackandfield pic.twitter.com/dtn12k87Rc

In the past, offenders have offered excuses for their failed tests