Photo courtesy of USF Athletics
By Kendall Bulkiewicz
A University of South Florida track-and-field athlete was suspended for doping with an anabolic steroid, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) reported on March 5.
AIU announced that Goodness Iredia tested positive for metenolone during a college meet in Louisville, Ky, in January when providing a urine sample. The 20-year-old Nigerian national champion took the long jump victory at the meet.
Iredia pleaded guilty to the charge on March 5 by signing the “Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences” form, reducing his standard four-year suspension to three years.
His ineligibility period will run through February 2028.
“Goodness Iredia is no longer with our track and field programs. We wish him well going forward,” said the USF Athletics spokesperson.
Since Iredia was one of the Bulls’ top track and field prospects, his absence will surely impact the program.
Metenolone, the substance found in Iredia’s urine test, is classified as an anabolic androgenic steroid and is banned by WADA regulations . It is likely to be used to enhance muscle growth and recovery, and is strictly prohibited in competitive sports.
With his three-year suspension, Iredia will miss out on top collegiate and international competitions, including the NCAA championships and future Olympic cycles. The suspension is a reminder of the AIU’s strict anti-doping policies and the consequences for their breach.
The suspension comes as a tremendous disappointment to the burgeoning star, who came seventh at the June NCAA finals. He also placed third at the African Championship that was hosted in Cameroon to flaunt his abilities at international tournaments. He had successfully finished two positions behind Jamaican runner Wayne Pinnock at the NCAA finals before going on to clinch bronze in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Last May, USF Athletics reported that Iredia won both events at the American Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships, long-jumping 25 feet, 2.75 inches and triple-jumping 53 feet, 3 inches (seventh-best in the NCAA this season).
