Onwuzurike: Why I’m out of 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest

Nigeria’s second fastest 200m of all-time (19.76), Udodi Onwuzurike has taken to his twitter page to explain while he will not be in Budapest, Hungary for the 19th World Athletics Championships which start next weekend.

The former World U20 Champion who won the 200m title at the 2023 NCAA outdoor track and field Championships in June was one of the athletes the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, was banking on for a podium finish but a harmstring injury has stopped the 20 year old from making a return to the Championships after his debut in 2022.

Ranked the fifth fastest so far this year and joint 26th in the world all-time ranking, Onwuzurike is confident he will come back stronger next year and wished his teammates a productive participation in Budapest.

‘After recently battling a harmstring issue, my medical team had advised that I sit out this year’s World Championship. I’ve given my all, but unfortunately,
my body needs the rest to healproperly and avoid further damage.

‘This decision hasn’t been an easy one. I’ve poured my heart into every moment leading up to this event, and it’s incredibly disappointing to see my season
end like this.

‘I’ve explored every avenue, left no stone unturned, but there simply isn’t enough time left to make a full recovery.

‘Everything happens for a reason, and while it’s tough to see it now, I truly believe that this setback will only fuel my determination to come back and even
stronger next year.

‘To my teammates and friends, I hope you do yourbest and make your country proud.
I’ll be using this time to heal, recover, and come back even better.

‘Wishing my fellow athletes competing at this year’s World Championships the very best of luck,’ wrote Onwuzurike @udodii.