Nigerian boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore has spoken emotionally about the doping case that denied her the chance to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, insisting she still does not know how the prohibited substance entered her system.
In an exclusive interview with Sports247, the Commonwealth Games bronze medalist said qualifying for the Olympics was the fulfilment of a dream she had pursued for years before it was abruptly taken away.
“The Olympics has been my dream since 2020. I even said it in an interview then,” she recalled.
“I couldn’t qualify at first, but God blessed me and I eventually qualified for the Paris Olympics before this issue happened.”
Ogunsemilore is currently serving a two-year suspension and confirmed she will remain banned from competition until December this year.
“I’m still under the ban. I was given two years, and till this coming December before I can enter the ring again.”
Despite the setback, she says she has returned to training and is determined to resume her career stronger than before.
“I’ve resumed back to the gym. I just want people to relax because I’ll be back like I never left.”
The boxer revealed that throughout her career she has been extremely careful with everything she consumes, making the positive test even more painful.
“When I am in camp, I stay in camp. I don’t drink what I’m not supposed to drink. I don’t eat what I’m not supposed to eat.”
She explained that she rarely takes supplements because of the fear of doping violations.
“I mostly take boiled eggs in the morning, bottled water and sometimes Vitamin C. I don’t really use supplements because of the doping issue, so I’m always careful.”
Asked whether she suspected foul play, Ogunsemilore declined to make accusations.
“I can’t say. Only God knows.”
Looking ahead, the Nigerian boxer remains focused on fulfilling her Olympic ambition.
While uncertainty surrounds whether professional boxers will continue to represent Nigeria under the new boxing federation leadership, she says she is ready for whatever opportunity comes.
“If they decide only amateur boxers will represent Nigeria, I’ll focus on my professional career. But if they call me, I still want to go because my dream is the Olympics.”
She ended with a message of hope and determination.
“By God’s grace, when I qualify again and do the needful, I believe I will win my Olympic gold medal.”
