Doping: Blessing Okagbare Fails To Appeal 10-Year Ban From AIU

By Mojisola Delano Last updated Mar 22, 2022

Nigerian sprinter, Blessing Okagbare, has failed to appeal a 10-year ban slammed on her by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) Disciplinary Tribunal.

The 33-year-old received the punishment after the presence and use of multiple prohibited substances was confirmed in her system, which she denied.

Okagbare also refused to cooperate with the AIU’s investigation into her case.

Although, Okagbare had continually denied doing any wrong, the AIU said she would serve a five-year ban for the use of multiple prohibited substances and another five years for not co-operating with investigations.

On 19 February, Okagbare announced that her lawyers were studying the decision of the disciplinary panel of the AIU, and would decide on the next line of action.

However, the athlete had until March 18 to take the matter to CAS, which she had failed to do, meaning she has ‘accepted’ the 10-year ban handed to her.

Giving an update, the court confirmed that the former Commonwealth Games double sprint champion did not file any appeal which expired on March, 18th, 2022.

The Arbitration court Communications Officer, Katy Hogg, stated;

Please be advised that at the time of writing, no appeals have been filed at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in relation to this matter.

Okagbare won a silver medal in the long jump event at the 2008 Olympics, and has also won World Championship medals in the 200m race and long jump.

Before she was ruled out during the Tokyo Olympics, Okagbare was a medal contender for the women’s 100m as she had won her heat in 11.05 seconds.

The 33-year-old did not participate in the semi-finals after the AIU said she had tested positive for a human growth hormone following an out-of-competition test a few weeks before the competition.

As at the time of this report, Okagbare has not made any personal nor official statement regarding the appeal of the ban.