How white cheated on Onyali

The recent two-year suspension slammed on champion sprinter Kelli White by the US Anti-Doping Agency for violating the agency's anti-doping rules is causing a major ripple at the IAAF, Nigeriasports.com can report.

The American sprinter tested positive for modafinil following her 100m victory at the 2003 World Championships in Paris.

According to a recent e-mail addressed to the IAAF headquarters from one LaTisha C. Staten, the suspended American cheated the world and most especially Nigerian sprint queen, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi at the 2003 World Athletic Championship in Paris.

“Through various media sources I have become aware of the two year Suspension of US sprinter Kelli White effective May 17, 2004. I am also aware that Ms. White's competitive results dating back to December 15, 2000 will be disqualified, which raises my question in regards to the Women's 200 meter results at the 2003 IAAF World Championships in Paris” she begins.

“What effect would this have on the athlete that would have been the 8th qualifier (Mary Onyali-Omagbemi of Nigeria) had Kelli White not participated in the event? This is not a usual situation and it will probably raise a lot of different questions and issues and I am certain that the questions would be similar for the Women's 100 meter race and the 4x100 meter relay. In reality this puts Mrs. Onyali-Omagbemi in an unfair, disadvantaged position because she has been neglected the opportunity to have competed in the final of the 2003 World Championships”

Staten however stressed that the IAAF should endeavour to make a strong confirmation on the 2003 case to restore the integrity of Athletics as a sport.

“I do strongly encourage strict consequences for those in violation of the Anti-doping rules and for those rules to be seriously enforced equally to all who participate in the use of prohibited performance enhancing substances. I also encourage the International Association of Athletics Federations to analyze and make a just decision in this case as I am sure they are dedicated to preserving the integrity of the sport. Athletes who abide by the rules and are involved in the promotion of keeping athletics substance-free should not be penalized”

Remorseful white
White had shown remorse after being suspended but her regret will not change the destiny of other athletes including Mary Onyali.

"Ms White admits she used the substances to be as competitive as she could and several of the substances she used were undetectable," said a statement released on White's behalf.

"In doing this, I have not only cheated myself, but also my family, friends and sport. I am sorry for the poor choices I have made," she said.

[photo alt="white" width=150 height=150 align=right]white[/photo]

White added: "The choice to co-operate is completely my own. I felt it was important to step up, accept responsibility and assist in cleaning up my sport.

"I anticipate other athletes will be charged but I really cannot say anything more at this time."

Disappointed Onyali
Meanwhile, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi told Nigeriasports.com that it was sad to know about the recent findings and ruling but it still does not change anything and life has to go on.

“I have done all I could to stay on top of the sport for over two decades without taking any substance. It’s sad to hear and read about the whole scenario but my pride is that I was never part of any drug offence and will never be a part of any” she said

The world championship medal is the only medal that has eluded the Nigerian in her glowing career and she felt Paris 2003 afforded her the last chance to pick the missing medal.

“I gave my all to everything in Paris but sometimes things don’t work as planned” she told Nigeriasports.com at the end of the World championship in 2003.