Nigerian runner banned for 10 years for doping
The Integrity Unit of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) suspended Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbari for 10 years today, after it was proven that she had taken prohibited substances and did not cooperate with the investigation conducted by the anti-doping authorities.
A statement issued by the Integrity Unit said, "The Disciplinary Court decided to suspend sprinter Blessing Okagbari for a period of 10 years."
As for the head of the Integrity Unit, Brett Clouseh, he said, "We welcome the decision of the Disciplinary Court. The ten-year sentence is a strong message against all intentional attempts to cheat at the highest level in sport."
Okagbari, 33, was one of the most prominent female runners nominated to win the 100m race in the Tokyo Summer Olympics, but she was temporarily suspended before running the semi-finals in this race due to the growth hormone level after an examination that took place outside the competitions, specifically on July 19, knowing that she had undergone A test result was positive with "EPO" earlier this year.
The Integrity Unit said that Okagbari has 30 days to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
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