Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare has reacted to the 10-year-ban over doping violations by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
The sprinter was expelled from the Tokyo Olympics last year before the women’s 100m semi-finals after testing positive for human growth hormone and on Friday, February 18, the AIU announced its decision to place her on a 10-year ban after she was found guilty.
It added that this “egregious conduct” led to an increase in the normal four-year sanction.
Blessing, who denied all charges, was given a five-year ban( for returning doping tests positive for EPO as well as Human Growth Hormone) and another five-year ban (for refusing to cooperate with an AIU investigation).
“We welcome the decision of the Disciplinary Tribunal. A ban of 10 years is a strong message against intentional and coordinated attempts to cheat at the very highest level of our sport,” said AIU chief Brett Clothier.
Brett Clothier added;
This is an outcome that was driven by our intelligence-led target testing as well as our commitment to investigate the circumstances behind a positive test.
The 33-year-old has reacted to the ban on her Instagram. She said her lawyers are studying it for their next line of action.
She wrote;
“My attention has been drawn to the statement issued by the AIU regarding its disciplinary panel decision. My lawyers are currently studying it for our next line of action which we will inform you soon.”
No comments:
Post a Comment