Annet Negesa, a talented Ugandan middle-distance runner, faced a life-altering decision before the 2012 Olympics when World Athletics banned her due to her naturally high testosterone levels. In a rush to meet the competitive requirements, Negesa underwent surgery to reduce these levels, with dire implications for her career. The pressure and urgency of the situation led her to accept medical interventions she later regretted, ultimately feeling that the choice robbed her of her passion and future in athletics.
When I was told I was not going to be able to be in London, it distorted everything in my mind. It was my dream to be in the Olympics.
They came with a suggestion that if I didn't take the medication, I would no longer be running and they said if I didn't want to take medication, I should go and run with the men.
Because of the love of the sport and not knowing the consequences that would come, I agreed to the medication and did what the World Athletics doctors called a 'simple surgery'.
I didn't know that it would bury me away from the sport.
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