February 24, (THEWILL) – There is increased possibility that the beleaguered African Queen of Sprint, Blessing Okagbare, may be facing further sanctions in the determination of doping allegations against her.
Fresh revelations in the ongoing case between the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), on the one hand, and Eric Lira and Okagbare, on the other, carry the implication that Okagbare may be punished by the the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for more anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs).
As THEWILL reported last week, Okagbare was banned for 10 years by the AIU of World Athletics for doping offences, five years for the possession and usage of several prohibited substances and five years for refusing to cooperate with the investigation.
The new status of the investigation indicates that, along with Okagbare, a Nigerian male sprinter might face a four-year suspension in the current indictment.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York published a press statement on January 12, 2022, announcing the public filing of criminal charges against Lira. These charges stem from the provision of illegal substances to two athletes in order to cheat at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Incriminating text and voice exchanges from “Athlete 1,” who the AIU suspects is Okagbare, with a contact named “Eric Lira Doctor” in 2020 and 2021, are highlighted in the FBI complaint.
Okagbare asks Lira for EPO and HGH vials or doses, and inquires about the quantity of medications she will need for herself and “Athlete 2.” (believed to be a Nigerian male sprinter). Okagbare also sent Lira a list of medicines she sought, including HGH and EPO, in the texts.
In a message made to Lira on June 13, 2021, Okagbare asked if she was safe to take a test after a certain amount, and because she was not sure, she “just let them go so it will be a missed test.”
Following this disclosure, on January 14, 2022, World Athletics sent Okagbare a notice of investigation letter on the potential ADRVs of evading sample collection (Rule 2.3) and tampering (Rule 2.5).
World Athletics claims that Okagbare is “Athlete 1,” which prompted the warning. The AIU is presently examining these allegations, notwithstanding Okagbare’s claim that she did not dodge any tests.
If Okagbare is found guilty of breaking Rule 2.3 or Rule 2.5, she faces a four-year suspension, which might be added to the 10 already slammed on the Beijing Olympics silver medalist.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
