Christine Ohuruogu Sympathise With Nigerian Track And Field Athletes.

Nigerian born British world class athlete, Christine Ohuruogu, has sympathize with Nigeria track and field athletes over the condition at which they train to excel in international competitions.

Ohuruogu, a member of the British Empire, made the statement in Lagos yesterday while speaking on her support for the Damilola Taylor Foundation which was launched by the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Peter Carter.

The four hundred metres world champion in 2007, 2013, who had the opportunity of meeting some group of Nigerian athletes in Lagos, said the discussion showed that Nigerian athletes were not exposed to quality training equipment, medical service, reputable and renowned coaches whose technical depth could transform them to blossom in the mold of Usain Bolt.
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While acknowledging that Nigerian track and field athletes are passionate to compete for thier fatherland, the 2006 Commonwealth Games Gold medalist, said some of the nation's international athletes who are exposed to world class training equipment only visit or compete in Nigeria's athletic trial proceeding major international athletics meets because the structure on ground would not encourage them to success.

The athlete, who hails from Imo State, said it was not possible to dump England and represent Nigeria in any IAAF organised events for any reason as she stressed that the British Government has provide necessary materials and equipment to excel.

"No. Nigerians are always offended each time I made such statement.  I was born in Britain. That is the county I schooled, my talents, my skills.  The country invested in me since I was a kid playing netball.  The coaches have to be paid, coming out to coach in the rain or winter.  It is always nice to give back to the society by saying thank you."There are a lot of Nigerians in the British team and we do support each other.

She said the British Government had invest heavily on her right from her tender age when she played netball and it would be good enough for her to play back by winning laurels which according to her is a sign of appreciating a responsible government.

"It is a shame for Nigerian athletes leaving their mother nation to compete for other countries to win medals for them.  It is a shame. When I speak with them, they tell me, it’s so hard for them and it should be hard because what we do is hard. No choice for them."She said

The 2013 Sky sport and Sun Times British Sports Woman of the year, said it was a shame for Nigerian athletes defecting to compete for another countries following lack of incentives and sports equipment, stressing that some of them naturalized because of the need to add value to their career and also built a good life after athletics.

"They must in sports heavily and the gesture helped the British athletes to record good outing at the London 2012 Olympic games unlike in Nigeria where the athletes were been blamed for poor outing at the Games despite non-availability of required facilities to excel."

"Nigerian government has the right to complain bitterly over the dismal outing if necessary facilities and required incentive are in place for the athletes."

She said the National Sports Commission, NSC, should not blame its athletes for a woeful performance at the London 2012 Games because the Federal Government through the NSC is yet to create an enabling environment for its wards to stand out as champions in the world athletic events.

According to her, the silver medal she won in the 400 hundred metres at the London 2012 Olympic Games was because the British Government had faith in her ability to win laurels, adding that the government positive concern on sports paved the way for her and other British athletes to record good performance at the Games.

Am successful in the sport because the British government makes available everything she needs to excel since the country has fate in her ability to win laurels.

On drugs cheat, the 2013, 400 metres champion, said her philosophy of winning was to continue working hard an d the move has really encourage her to achieve a lot in track and field events, stressing that the use of performance enhancing drugs has done much damage to the sport.