Nigerian Sprinter, Divine Oduduru Reveals Suicide Attempts, Vows Comeback After Six-Year Ban

Nigerian sprinter Ejowvokoghene Divine Oduduru, known for specializing in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash, has revealed that he attempted suicide four times.

Oduduru, who shared this in a post on his Facebook page, holds personal bests of 9.86 seconds in the 100 meters and 19.73 seconds in the 200 meters-the latter being a Nigerian national record.

In October 2023, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) disciplinary tribunal handed Oduduru a six-year ban for violating two anti-doping rules. The AIU announced a four-year ban for possession of prohibited substances and attempted use of a prohibited substance, with an additional two years added for “aggravating circumstances.” Oduduru was also ordered to pay $3,000 to World Athletics to cover case expenses.

In his Facebook post, Oduduru explained that he had remained silent due to mental health struggles, thanking his fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. He expressed his determination to make a comeback and promised to share his side of the story in interviews and a live Instagram session.

“I know a lot of you have been waiting to hear from me about the issue that happened,” he wrote. “I have been quiet all this time due to my mental health. I attempted suicide four times, just wanted to end everything, because all these things that happened are still a shock to me after all the years of sacrifice.

“Thanks to everyone, to my lovely fans who have been supporting me from the beginning of my career. I will be granting interviews and I am working on coming live on my Instagram to tell my side of what happened.”