Nigerian 400m specialist Samuel Ogazi has revealed that he was forced to compete at the World Athletics Championships despite carrying a hamstring injury. The NCAA 400m champion, who came into the competition in strong form, was pressured by team officials to line up in the heats, leading to an early exit after he finished fifth in 45.97 seconds, missing out on the semifinals.
Ogazi explained that he had suffered a hamstring strain during training just days before his event in Tokyo. Despite informing the team doctor and officials that he was not fit to compete, he was told to run regardless of his discomfort. The sprinter stressed that he normally avoids running while injured, but this time he was left with no choice after officials insisted he step onto the track.
“I wasn’t ready for the race since my hamstring was bothering me, but they still insisted I should run. Earlier in the week I felt great in training, but during a shakeout I felt a tweak in my hamstring. I told them I couldn’t give my best if I competed, but they told me to just go and give my all,” he explained.
Ogazi admitted that his warm-up routine was compromised as he tried to protect the injury, and he entered the race with little confidence. Despite his efforts, the discomfort slowed him down, and he could not match the explosive finish that earned him the NCAA title earlier in the season.
While the outcome was disappointing, Ogazi said he was not overly frustrated because he knew his performance was limited by injury. He remains proud of his NCAA 400m championship victory, which he still considers the highlight of his year.
The situation has sparked debate over how athletes are managed at major competitions, with concerns about the risks of aggravating injuries when athletes are pressured to compete unfit. For Ogazi, the forced race may have denied him a fair shot at showcasing his true form on the global stage, but he remains optimistic about recovering and building towards future competitions.
