by Larry Eder
Christine Ohuruogu, London 2012, photo by PhotoRun.net
RunBlogRun opines on Christine Ohuruogu: For me, one of my favorite memories of Christine Ohurougu come from 2007 Osaka World Championships. Her final stretch run upset Sanya Richards. While I was saddended by the loss of Sanya, I respected the race and Christine’s fine race, along with team mate Nicola Sanders, in silver. In 2008, her win in Beijing had that patented Ohuruogu final stretch run, as she took the gold. In 2009, Sanya Richards began her battle for the 2012 Olympics, taking gold in the 400 meters. Ohuroughu’s stretch run took down DeeDee Trotter and Amantle Montsho. For me, Christine Ohuruogu was a tremendous competitor. I enjoyed my few interviews with her, and enjoyed getting some time with her at the adidas Boston Boost Meeting in 2017. Christine Ohuruogu was first British woman to win Olympic gold at 400 meters, and two time World Champion gold medalist at 400 meters plus many medals in British 4×400 meters!
And on her ban, due to three missed drug test meetings. In my belief, it was a series of dumb mistakes, not much more than that. This did not mean that she was not crucified in the media, and it was brought up in every story on the 400 meter athlete. I am mixed on the coverage, and support her defense of her battle with the British Olympic Committee.
Here’s her offiical statement on her retirement (thanks to Stuart Weir for sending this release from Pace Sports Management, the management team for Christine Ohuruogu). :
30th June 2018 – “Today is the start of the British Championships and as I won’t be there competing I feel it is a good time to formally announce my retirement from competitive athletics. I didn’t feel ready to retire after last season but a combination of my studies and a niggling injury restricted how much training I was able to do this year. I started athletics in 2001 at Newham and Essex Beagles AC so I could become a better netball player. Now my career highlights include an Olympic Games 400m gold in 2008 and silver in 2012, and two World Championships 400m titles in 2007 & 2013. I end my career with four Olympic medals and five World Championships medals. Athletics has been my passion for so long and I am proud to call myself an athlete. I love the diversity of the events and the brilliant characters that come from them. I have truly met some wonderful people over the last 15 yearscompeting around the world and I am blessed to call many of them friends. I would like to thank all my coaches, management team, sponsors and training partners who helped make my journey that little bit easier. Special thanks to my long term coach Lloyd Cowan and my medical team who have kept me running and got me to the start line of every championship from 2004 to 2016. Thanks to everyone else who has supported me over the years and stood by me in the good times and the bad, your warmth and support is much appreciated. I hope to stay involved in the sport at some level and am excited to see all the new talent coming through. I wish all those competing the very best for this weekend and the rest of the season.” Christine Ohurougu
