Text messages were his downfall: Olympic semi-finalist gets doping ban

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Nigerian sprinter Divine Oduduru (27) received a four-year ban for two doping violations. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced this on Thursday. Oduduru was in possession of banned substances and attempted to use them at sporting events.

The case is the result of a chain reaction that originated with sports therapist Eric Lira (43). The American pleaded guilty in May 2023 to selling banned performance-enhancing drugs to athletes before the Olympic Games in Tokyo – including banned Swiss sprinter Alex Wilson (33). Lira’s conviction is still pending.

The authorities are investigating

But how did Oduduru end up in the crosshairs of the judiciary? The reason is Bessling Okagbare (35). The Nigerian sprinter – now suspended for eleven years – was one of the sports therapist’s first clients. In 2020, she tested positive for one of his drugs, a growth hormone, during an out-of-competition doping test in Slovakia.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection subsequently seized her cell phone after she returned home to the United States. The FBI then found “highly incriminating text and voice messages” from Lira. In it, Okagbare asked Lira – on behalf of Oduduru – to obtain prohibited substances. With this knowledge, Oduduru’s apartment in Florida was then searched. There, authorities eventually discovered several banned substances.

On the track, Oduduru celebrated his greatest successes at the African Championships, where he won one gold and two silver medals. Before his offense, he also reached the semi-finals of the 200 meters at the Tokyo Olympics. He also holds the Nigerian record in the 200 meters (19.73). (Gentlemen)

Source : Blick