Nigerian sprinter, Blessing Okagbare, has reacted for the first time after she was handed a 10-year ban for doping by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
Okagbare who specialized in Long jump and sprints is an Olympic and World Championships medalist in the long jump and a world medalist in the 200 meters.
She wrote on her verified Instagram account:
”My attention has been drawn to the statement issued by the AIU regarding its disciplinary panel decision. My lawyers are currently studying it for our next line of action which will inform you soon.”
On Friday, the AIU announced that Okagbare has been given a 10-year ban for “multiple breaches of anti-doping rules”.
The athletics body said Okagbare was banned for five years for the use of multiple prohibited substances and another five years for not cooperating with the investigation.
Okagbare was a medal contender for the women’s 100m at last year’s Olympics and won her heat in 11.05 seconds.
But she was ruled out of the semi-finals after the AIU said she had tested positive for a human growth hormone following an out-of-competition test on 19 July.
In October, Okagbare was charged with three anti-doping offences, which she denied.