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Kenya Harlequins player Leon Oduor has shared how he came close to ending his life when the mental struggles of dealing with a head injury took its toll on him
Kenya Harlequin’s Leon Oduor has opened up on his mental struggles over a three-year period in which he was absent from rugby.
Oduor had been suffering from the effects of concussions ever since his high school days at St Joseph's Rapogi, and it continued while playing for Egerton Wasps and then Nakuru RFC. At Nakuru, he suffered concussion against Impala at the Dala Sevens in 2021.
Speaking to Sports Eye Sports before Harlequin took part in their third Kenya Cup fixture against Homeboyz last Saturday, Odour opened up on what he had to go through while he was injured.
“This is my first time back in the field after three years,” Oduor said.
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“I had a really nasty fall and problems with concussion for a really long time, so basically, I have been trying to get my zing back in the game.”
Oduor has opened up on how he mentally had to deal with the fact he could not play rugby for a while, saying he attempted suicide up to six times.
The full-back has, however, thanked his friends, as well as his mother, who he described as his best friend, for helping him overcome that barrier.
“It was tough from the pit I was in. I will give you a short snap, I tried six suicide attempts within a span of one month but I had friends (who helped me out),” he added.
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“My best friend, my mom and I had key friends who helped me through that journey. When I started understanding that there is more to life after rugby, I actually came back to school, finished my exams and graduated the other day.
“It has been a big problem for those who watched me throughout sevens. I won’t say it is easy but I think my passion for this game and understanding that there is a life after rugby is what motivates me to stay on the field.”
Oduor has thanked his club physios, as well as psychotherapists, for helping him get back in shape, even though he took an unprecedented long sabbatical from the game.
“I have been trying to focus on what I do best as a full-back and slowly by slowly, working with coach Eden and Simon, I think it is coming back so this particular season is about settling in the game, doing what the coaching fraternity expects of me and trying to get the shot at that shirt starting up," said Oduor.
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“There is good competition in our team knowing that Amon (Wamalwa) is there, (Arnold) Onzere is there so I really have to be at my best."
Oduor has revealed how he is dealing with life post-injury now that he is back on the field, saying he still has therapy sessions to help him, three years down the line.
“Getting the basics right keeps me on the safe side and I am always going for therapy still. I have my physio and my psychotherapy sessions every week so my mental and physical strengths are at par which really help me much in the game," the player disclosed.
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The former Egerton Wasps graduate has challenged teams to implement mental health programmes that can help players overcome mental challenges when injured, and also advised his fellow players to take injuries such as concussions seriously.
“The mental bit is always the toughest, and that one I will tell teams clearly. Players should not ignore the fact that concussions are a bad thing," said Oduor.
“If you feel it, even if it is just a small or a minor one, just take a rest. Mental toughness is something teams should consider and they should help players through it.”
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