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Bada, Others Await IOC's Decision on Sydney Gold By Duro Ikhazuagbe Almost five months after the IAAF stripped the United States 4x400m men's relay team of its Sydney Olympics gold medal, Nigeria, the beneficiary of that landmark decision is anxiously awaiting for the International Olympic Committee's ratification. Last week, the mandatory 60 days grace period to appeal the IAAF decision lapsed without the USA Track and Field Federation raising its objection to the disqualification of Jerome Young from competing at the Sydney Games. Enefiok Udo-Obong, the quarter miler, who anchored the Nigerian quartet to the silver medal, which has now turned gold, told THISDAYSports that the gold was long overdue. "I am surprised that the ratification of the disqualification of the US team is taking so long in coming. Anyway, let's hope IOC will take that decision at their next meeting fixed for November," observed Udo-Obong. Although, it appears as if the enthusiasm the decision generated has died down in the country, Udo-Obong insisted that "giving the medals to us will serve very useful purpose as an Olympic gold medallists. Not that it will add any value to the life we are living now but it is worth the while after waiting for four years." However, as Nigerians await the IOC on the matter, it remains to be seen how the apex Olympic movement will be able to retrieve one of the gold medals in the custody of Michael Johnson. Johnson, who was part of the US quartet that won the 4x400m medal, had in the heat of the disqualification of Young criticised the IAAF for stripping him of the medal. His argument was based on the fact that Young, who was found ineligible to compete at the Sydney Games, did not run in the final. But Udo-Obong dismissed Johnson's argument, stressing that that is the universal practise. "I am disappointed that an elite athlete like Johnson is talking like that. Nigeria has suffered in similar circumstance." He recalled that in 1995 Nigeria lost a relay gold won at the All Africa Games in Harare when Paul Egonye ran foul of dope rules. The Court for Arbitration in Sports had before the Athens Olympiad ruled that USA Track and Field erred in fielding Young for the Sydney Games Down Under four years ago. It insisted further that at the time Young competed, he was ineligible due to positive test for a banned substance. Who Are We ? | About THISDAYOnLine.com | THISDAY People | Contact Us © Copyright 2000 Leaders & Company Limited

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