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After years of keeping silent on his AIU six-year ban, Divine Oduduru is finally ready to speak on everything that happened.
Former NCAA standout athlete and Nigerian 200m record holder, Divine Oduduru has finally broken his silence on his six-year doping ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), declaring he's ready to tell his side of the story.
Oduduru was slammed with a six-year ban by the AIU in 2023, for violations, possession of prohibited substances, and attempted use of a prohibited substance or method.
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His case was linked to team-mate Blessing Okagbare, who was banned for 11 years for doping in 2022. Their offense was related to the criminal investigation into Eric Lira, a ‘naturopathic’ therapist operating principally in El Paso, Texas, USA, who in 2023 became the first person to plead guilty under the US Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act to providing performance enhancement drugs to Olympic athletes in advance of the Tokyo Olympic Games.
During investigations, Oduduru maintained his innocence, stating he did not know Lira and Okagbare did not act as the go-between for him with the coach.
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10:11 - 28.12.2024
'You are everything I prayed for' - Blessing Okagbare celebrates perfect Christmas gift with birth of her first child
Legendary Nigerian sprinter and jumper Blessing Okagbare celebrated the festive period with the birth of her first child.
Since his ban, the former world junior silver medallist maintained silence on all media platforms. Sadly, he has now disclosed his attempt of suicide four times in the past two years and ready to tell his side of the story.
"Thanks to everyone, to my lovely fans who have been supporting me right from the beginning of my career. I know a lot of you have been waiting to hear from me about the issue that happened," wrote the Rio 2016 Olympics semi-finalist on his social media platforms.
"I have been quiet all this time due to my mental health. I attempted suicide 4 times, just wanted to end everything, because all this things that happened is still a shock to me," he continued.
"After all the years of sacrifice. I will be granting interviews and I am working on coming life on my Instagram to tell my side of what happened.
Thank you, Oduduru Divine"
The 28-year-old has a 100m best time of 9.86s and 19.73s in the 200m. He won 200m silver medal at the 2014 World Junior Athletics Championships.
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