I had hoped for the truth to emerge some day: Anju Bobby George

Though late by almost a decade, the truth is finally out. Till a few days ago, Anju Bobby George was just one of the few ever-resolute athletes of India produced by Kerala, with a handful of international medals to her credit. As the doping tests of 2005s Monaco World Championship stamped the long jump winner Tatyana Kotova tainted, Anju got upgraded as the tournament winner, and is currently India's first gold medal winner in the World Athletic Championships.
Appreciations, phone calls and blessings are flowing her way from all quarters. As a bonus for the long wait, Anju and her husband Bobby George get to enjoy the success in the company of two more people who were not born during these championships — their son Aaron and daughter Andrea!
The new champion speaks about a hope for success that lingered in her mind for years and the plans ahead.
"I had hoped for such a development and used to feel that the truth will be out one day," says an elated Anju. "Even at the 2004 Olympics, a renowned athlete had told me that I would have won if the competition was taint-free. My fifth place finish in Helsinki World Championship of 2005 has also been upgraded to fourth, as Kotova, who came second, has been disqualified. I am expecting a similar upgradation in the medal tally of Athens Olympics of 2004 as well," says Anju.
Two of the top three long jump medal winners in Athens Olympics — silver medallist Irina Simagina and bronze winner Kotova — have been caught for doping at various instances, and investigation is still on. Anju had finished fifth in Athens, behind Bronwyn Thompson of Australia.
Anju says the sudden spurt of performances from certain athletes used to trigger doubts in her mind. So why did she remain quiet all the while? "We are not allowed to make any comments in such matters when we participate in world championships and are bound by an agreement regarding the same. There is nothing much the athletes can do about these situations anyway. In 2003 after I won bronze in the Paris World Championship, a famous sportsman from Russia came up to me and said — "Athletes like you should be lauded for grabbing medals amid those who participate with the backing of such aids." For experienced sportspersons, it is easy to spot those winning through shortcuts by taking a look at their muscle structures, body language and similar factors," Anju adds.
Did Tatyana Kotova's mind-boggling jump sprout such a thought too? "It is not just about Kotova's performance," Anju clarifies. According to her, major championships often witness such 'out-of-the-blue' leaps of athletes from countries like Russia. If you closely monitor their improvement patterns, doping can be easily suspected. "Irina Simagina, for instance, is such an athlete who used to have such sudden top performances and was caught later," says the gold winner.
So, what is it that keeps her busy now? "My four-year-old son Aaron and four-month-old daughter Andrea," says the proud mom. "I want to be back on track by the end of 2014 as a coach. What we have in mind are plans to help a group of Indian international athletes, using the expertise gained by Bobby as a coach and me as an athlete. We are not thinking of working in association with any academies as of now. Once my children are a bit older, I should be able to contribute a lot more to sports," Anju signs off.