Tokyo Olympics: Nigeria sprinter Blessing Okagbare suspended after failed drug test

Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare has been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unity (AIU) after her test came back positive.

Okagbare will no longer compete at the Tokyo Olympics, Image credit: Twitter
By Amruth Kalidas | Jul 31, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare is under provisional suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unity (AIU). This comes after an out-of-competition test came back positive for human growth hormone.

Okagbare can no longer compete at the Tokyo Olympics. The drug test sample was analyzed in a laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). When the positive test came to light, the AIU was notified.

Okagbare got to know of the result after the first round of the 100m. Okagbare is an Olympic silver medalist in long jump from the 2008 Games.

The AIU issued the following statement

“The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended Blessing Okagbare of Nigeria today with immediate effect after a sample collected from the sprinter tested positive for human Growth Hormone.

“Growth Hormone is a non-specified substance on the 2021 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List and a provisional suspension is mandatory following an adverse analytical finding for such substance under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules. The AIU collected the sample from Ms. Okagbare during an out-of-competition test on 19 July.

“The WADA-accredited laboratory that analyzed the sample notified the AIU of the adverse analytical finding at mid-day Central European Time yesterday, Friday 30 July. The athlete was notified of the adverse analytical finding and of her provisional suspension this morning in Tokyo. She was scheduled to participate in the semi-finals of the women’s 100m this evening. The AIU will make no further comment on this matter at this time.”

Okagbare is an athlete of renown. She has won medals in both the 200m and long jump at the world championships. That’s not even counting an Olympic silver medal in 2008. She was then due to line up in the semis, having won her heat in a time of 11.05m. But will not be on the start line.