A Nigerian sprinter, Ejowvokoghene Divine Oduduru, renowned for his exceptional speed in the 100-meter and 200-meter races, has disclosed his battle with mental health challenges, including multiple suicide attempts. Oduduru shared this revelation in a heartfelt post on his Facebook page, shedding light on the emotional toll of recent events in his career.
Oduduru, who holds personal bests of 9.86 seconds in the 100 m and a national record of 19.73 seconds in the 200 m, has been under a six-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) since October 2023. The disciplinary tribunal penalized him for breaching anti-doping regulations, citing possession of prohibited substances and attempted use of such substances. The ban includes an additional two years due to "aggravating circumstances," and he was fined $3,000 to cover World Athletics’ expenses related to the case.
In his social media post, the sprinter revealed that he has been grappling with the aftermath of the ban and its impact on his mental health.
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“I attempted suicide four times,”
Oduduru wrote, describing the period as a shocking and painful chapter after years of sacrifice and dedication to his sport.Despite these challenges, Oduduru expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support. “Thanks to everyone, to my lovely fans who have been supporting me right from the beginning of my career,” he wrote. He also announced plans to grant interviews and host an Instagram live session to share his side of the story.
This revelation adds a human dimension to the often intense scrutiny athletes face in competitive sports. Oduduru’s decision to speak out underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the need for support systems for athletes navigating personal and professional crises.
As he prepares to tell his story, Oduduru’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience required to overcome adversity and the critical role of mental health in the lives of athletes.
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