Former Nigerian sprinter Divine Oduduru has revealed the personal struggles and mental health challenges that led him to attempt suicide four times. The athlete, who was recently banned due to doping violations, shared his emotional journey in a candid interview, shedding light on the pressure, isolation, and despair that he faced behind the scenes.
Oduduru, who was once seen as one of Nigeria’s brightest track and field stars, opened up about how his personal and professional life unraveled following the doping ban, which has greatly affected both his career and his sense of self-worth. The 26-year-old sprinter admitted that the weight of his mistakes, compounded by constant media scrutiny, had led him to contemplate suicide multiple times.
"At my lowest point, I felt like I had nothing left," Oduduru confessed. "The constant pressure, the expectations from my country, and the betrayal I felt from those who had supported me… it all became too much. I reached a point where I genuinely thought that ending it all was the only way out."
The sprinter detailed the emotional toll that public criticism and the ban had on his mental health, explaining that his career’s downfall left him feeling isolated and alone. However, Oduduru credits his eventual survival to therapy and the support of close friends and family, who encouraged him to seek professional help and reminded him of his worth beyond his sporting achievements.
“I am grateful to still be here. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to take a step back and reflect on your life, on your mistakes, but also on your potential to heal,” Oduduru shared. “Mental health is something that needs to be talked about more openly. Many athletes, especially in Nigeria, suffer in silence. We must remove the stigma around mental health so that others don’t feel like they’re alone in their struggles.”
Oduduru’s revelation is expected to spark much-needed conversation about mental health in the world of athletics, particularly in Nigeria, where such topics are often overlooked or misunderstood. He expressed his hope that his story will inspire others facing similar battles to seek help before resorting to drastic measures.
"I want to be a voice for those who are suffering in silence. You are not alone, and it's okay to ask for help," Oduduru said. "The journey of redemption is not easy, but I’m committed to taking it one day at a time."