Christine Mboma: "I'm delighted to be back"

After 20 months out, Namibian sprinter Christine Mboma has announced her return. Absent from the track since 2022, the Olympic silver medallist is more determined than ever to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. "I'm delighted to be back on the right track. It has been a long journey and I had to stay positive throughout", said the 20-year-old athlete. She went on. "I'm delighted to be back competing for myself, for my family and for my country."

Mboma, 20, is among the female athletes classified as having "differences of sex development (DSD)" and was required to undergo treatment to lower her testosterone level. She is now cleared to compete. The Olympic silver medallist will return on 20 April in Kenya in the 100 m. "We are delighted to have Christine Mboma back in Nairobi for the meeting, after what happened to her here last time when she pulled a hamstring", Kip Keino Classic meeting director Barnaba Korir told AFP.

Read also: World Athletics: Christine Mboma cleared to run in 2024

Christine Mboma showed resilience during the 20 months away, says her coach Henk Botha. "As Christine Mboma's coach, I have witnessed her unwavering dedication and resilience throughout this journey. It speaks to her character and her commitment to the sport. Despite the challenges, Christine has stayed focused and determined, showing her passion for running and her desire to compete at the highest level."

Despite the treatment, Mboma is confident she can produce excellent results. "I can say that I took medication to reduce testosterone and it had no impact. I know I can run as fast as before, even with it. Given how I'm training, I'm doing well. I feel confident", she told The Guardian last August.

Christine Mboma and her team have fine-tuned their programme. After Kenya, she plans to base herself in Europe next May to continue her preparation for the Olympics.