Ejowvokoghene Divine Oduduru, a prominent Nigerian sprinter specialising in the 100-metre and 200-metre dashes, has publicly disclosed that he attempted suicide four times.
Oduduru, a former national record holder with personal bests of 9.86 seconds in the 100m and 19.73 seconds in the 200m, made this revelation in a Facebook post.
In October 2023, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) issued a six-year ban to Oduduru for violating two anti-doping rules: possession of prohibited substances and attempted use of a prohibited substance.
The ban also included an additional two-year penalty for “aggravating circumstances” and a £2,300 fine to cover the AIU’s investigation costs.
Oduduru attributed his silence following the ban to significant mental health struggles. He expressed gratitude towards his supporters and announced his intention to return to the sport, promising to share his side of the story in upcoming interviews.
He wrote: “Thanks to everyone, to my lovely fans who have been supporting me right from the beginning of my career. I know a lot of you have been waiting to hear from me about the issue that happened. I have been quiet all this time due to my mental health.
“I attempted suicide 4 times, just wanted to end everything, because all this things that happened is still a shock to me. After all the years of sacrifice.
“I will be granting interviews and I am working on coming life on my Instagram to tell my side of what happened.”
