By Jacob Ajom
Africa’s fastest woman, Damola Osayomi has expressed gratitude to her parents and close confidants who supported and advised her not to give up during her 6-month ban by the International Athletics Association after the last Commonwealth Games in India.

Osayomi who was banned for taking banned substances that was believed to have aided her 200 meters gold winning effort at the Commonwealth Games. Her 100 meters gold in Maputo was her first major competitive race since serving the ban and she revelled in it with consumate satisfaction.

“I can’t thank my parents enough. They were always there for me. I thought my time in athletics was over but they kept encouraging me,” she said repeatedly.

“I am back. This is a very good way to announce my return. I dedicate my medal to God Almighty because with Him all things a possible. I don’t know where I would have been now without him. I passed through pain”

The sprinter said she was looking forward to the London 2012 Olympics and was confident she would not disappoint.