WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY AND ATHLETICS INTEGRITY UNIT TO DECIDE FATE OF KENYA ATHLETICS
Kenya is on the verge of being banned from international athletics competitions due to increasing cases of doping among its athletes. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) will meet in Monaco on November 25, 2022 to discuss and decide the fate of Kenyan athletics.
Fhoto: adak.co.ke
Kenya is among seven countries considered by the AIU to be “category A” federations – the highest doping risk – meaning athletes from those countries must pass at least three tests in the 10 months before each major event to compete there. Despite Athletics Kenya (AK) making enormous efforts and organizing numerous anti-doping seminars, their contribution seems to be minimal.
So far, more than 200 athletes have failed doping tests, with the highest number including high-profile athletes who tested positive for banned substances this year.
In addition to the significant number of evidence of the presence of erythropoietin (EPO) among Kenyan athletes, there is also a significant increase in the steroid triamcinolone acetonide, which affects weight loss and increases endurance. In addition to positive tests, widespread violations of athletes’ obligations to report information regarding athletes’ whereabouts are also problematic.
AUTHOR: Jonathan KOMEN
SOURCE: standardmedia.co.ke
PUBLISHED: November 24, 2022