How Victoria Ohuruogu regained stride after allegations of prohibited association with boyfriend

ATHLETICS How Victoria Ohuruogu regained stride after allegations of prohibited association with boyfriend

Festus Chuma 18:39 - 22.03.2024

British sprinter Victoria Ohuruogu faced a doping-related controversy involving her boyfriend, impacting her career and Olympic preparations amidst intense scrutiny.

British sprinter Victoria Ohuruogu has been cleared of an anti-doping rule violation concerning alleged prohibited association with a banned athlete, her boyfriend Antonio Infantino. 

The decision comes after a panel convened by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) dismissed the allegations, bringing relief to Ohuruogu as she resumes her athletic journey.

The 31-year-old athlete expressed her gratitude following the ruling that was made on Thursday.

"I take my anti-doping obligations extremely seriously and am pleased that the truth of the matter - which is exactly as I have always maintained - has now been confirmed," she said as per BBC.

The controversy arose when Ohuruogu was spotted training alongside Infantino, who is currently serving a three-year doping ban. 

According to anti-doping regulations, athletes are prohibited from working with coaches or other athlete support personnel who are under doping bans.

Despite the challenges she faced during the investigation, Ohuruogu remained steadfast in her commitment to the sport. 

"The allegation, its publication, and the media intrusion has cost me a great deal over the past 16 months.

It has affected my personal relationships, cost me the chance to run in what would have been career-defining events, and caused huge disruption to my preparation and training in an Olympic year," she revealed. 

Ohuruogu's exclusion from the GB team at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest further compounded the impact of the investigation.

 While her teammates secured podium finishes in relay events, Ohuruogu found herself sidelined, unable to showcase her talent on the international stage.

The timing of the ruling holds significance as Ohuruogu looks ahead to her athletic pursuits, including the possibility of qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

With her UK Sport funding reinstated and the cloud of suspicion lifted, Ohuruogu is eager to focus on her training and contribute to the success of the GB team.

"I'm now eager to put this firmly behind me, get my head down, and train hard for the outdoor season and - hopefully - the Olympics.The GB team is very strong, and I hope to be able to contribute to its continued success," Ohuruogu declared.

Despite the challenges she faced, her determination and resilience shine through as she embarks on the next chapter of her athletic journey.

"I will not be making any further comment," Ohuruogu concluded, signaling her intent to leave the controversy behind and focus on her future in track and field.

With the cloud of suspicion lifted and her reputation vindicated, Victoria Ohuruogu is poised to reclaim her place on the track and pursue her athletic dreams with renewed vigor.

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