Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare is about to have her profession end on a tragic word because of alleged doping.
Nevertheless, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has expressed concern over studies that she would possibly find yourself in jail for unlawful medication use.
Okagbare, who has been charged with three offences by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), was suspended on the eve of her semifinal race on the Tokyo Olympics after testing optimistic for a human development hormone following an out-of-competition take a look at on July 19.
The 32-year-old was mentioned to have later examined optimistic for an additional banned substance, recombinant erythropoietin (EPO), which will increase red blood cell depend. She has additionally been charged for not cooperating with the AIU’s investigation.
An official of the AFN instructed The Guardian, yesterday, that Okagbare would possibly stroll into extra hassle following what he described as ‘ego drawback.’
“I’m actually fearful by the brand new dimension Okagbare’s drug subject is taking,” the AFN official, who pleaded anonymity, mentioned. “If care isn’t taken, she would possibly find yourself in jail as a result of to check optimistic to EPO is a critical offence so far as athletics is anxious. The EPO is a kind of drug given to horses whereas getting ready them for race. I learnt she isn’t even cooperating with the AIU.
“I’m certain Okagbare should have stepped on many toes up to now as a consequence of her ego drawback, and people individuals might have been patiently ready for this chance to pay her again.
“ If the AIU decides to take the investigation backwards and discover her culpable, Okagbare could be stripped of a few of her medals. My recommendation to her is to cooperate with the investigation,” the AFN official mentioned.
The AIU had alleged that Okagbare “did not adjust to a proper requirement to supply related paperwork, information and digital storage gadgets” to the investigation.
Okagbare, an Olympics lengthy leap silver medallist at Beijing 2008, had received her 100m warmth in Tokyo earlier than she was suspended from the Games.
The Delta State-born sprinter has reportedly denied all the fees towards her.
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