By Eseoghene Emuke
The world Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) on Friday banned Nigerian sprinter medalist, Blessing Okagbare, for ten years for doping violation.
Okagbare, who has been facing three charges after testing positive for human growth hormone and EPO during the Tokyo Olympics, will by the announcement not participate in sporting activities during the period the ban globally.
The Sapele-born Nigeria’s 2008 long jump silver medalist was expelled from participating in the Tokyo Olympics following the doping case.
According to AIU, the 33-year-old Urhobo-born athlete was found guilty of Rule 2.1 and Rule 2.2 ADRVs and ruled that Okagbare serve the punishment concurrently for a period of five years each.
“The Disciplinary Tribunal has banned Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare for a total of 10 years,” read an AIU statement.
“For the reasons set out, The Tribunal:
“Finds the ADRVs contrary to Rules 2.1 and 2.2 ADR proved;
“Imposes a period of Ineligibility of five years concurrently on each of the Rule 2.1 and Rule 2.2 ADRVs;
“Finds that the Athlete failed to comply with the Demand and cooperate with the AIU investigation in breach of Rules 5.7.3 and 5.7.7 ADRV and imposes a consecutive period of Ineligibility of five years; and
“Therefore, imposes a total period of Ineligibility of ten years which commences on 31 July 2021.
“The Tribunal also orders that the Athlete’s results from and including 20 June 2021 are disqualified with all resulting consequences including forfeiture of any medals, titles, ranking points, and prize and appearance money.
“There is no order for costs”, the judgement partly read.
