By Ifeanyi Eduzor
With less than two months to Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Nigerian first individual Olympic gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa- Opara has charged athletes that will represent the country at the global sporting event to shun the temptation of using performance-enhancing drugs as it is capable of ruining their career.
She told The Nigerian Xpress Sports yesterday that the advice became necessary because at international competitions, athletes might be tempted to use drugs while some out of ignorance, might use some banned substances which eventually leads to their being disgraced at the end of the day.
“As the Olympics is approaching, my advise is that our athletes must avoid using performance-enhancing drugs and be careful with the type of food and supplements they take in order not to be accused of using banned drugs,” began the 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold medalist.
“I want to see Nigerians mount the podium at the Olympics as well as come out clean and avoid scandals associated with drug use because it has ruined the career of many athletes and the international doping agency is serious about its sanctions,” noted the Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Ajunwa however believes that not minding the effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on athletes preparations, ‘Team Nigeria’ won’t be disgraced at the biggest global sporting event.
“I’ve no doubt in my mind that our athletes will do well in Japan. Though it’s not in my character to give predictions on the number of medals to be won but I believe that considering their present form at some recent international meets, they will give a good account of themselves when hostilities begins in Japan,” she concluded.