AK confirm receiving IAAFs Sumgong test fail dossier

World athletics governing body the IAAF submitted a copy of a notification of an anti-doping rule violation against the 2016 Rio Olympic marathon champion Jemimah Sumgong, Athletics Kenya (AK) have confirmed.

In a press statement, the national athletics governing body emphasised they will withhold the ‘highly confidential’ contents in the notification until its publication is permitted by the IAAF.

“The information contained in the notification and also carried in the press, if true, is extremely shocking and disappointing not only to AK but to the entire Nation of Kenya.

“We are awaiting full information on the matter but wish to advice the public that under the applicable rules, the process to be followed following a notification is highly confidential in order to protect the rights of the athlete. Consequently, we are unable to make any further comments in regard to the matter at this point,” part of the statement read.

The AK reiterated their stand in the fight against the doping menace that has once again put a nation that is home to some of the world’s greatest athletes under global scrutiny.

“AK frowns and condemns in the strongest terms any case of anti-doping rule violation whether in Kenya or elsewhere in the world.

“AK, in conjunction with the Government of Kenya, Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and other concerned bodies have worked and continue to work tirelessly to put in place measures to fight and eradicate the use and abuse of prohibited substances,’ the communique read.

Sumgong who became the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic gold in the marathon when she triumphed in Rio last year tested positive for the banned blood booster EPO in a test conducted by the IAAF here in Kenya.

Her training partner, the 2014 Chicago and Boston Marathon champion Rita Jeptoo, is serving a four-year ban after also testing positive for EPO.

“We advise and appeal to all athletes in Kenya to familiarize themselves with the WADA prohibited list of substances and to firmly desist from the use and attempted use of any prohibited substance.

“Athletes are further notified that in addition to sanctions which may be imposed by the IAAF for anyone found guilty of anti-doping violations, they will face the full force of the law within the existing framework of the laws of Kenya,” the report warned.

Tags:

athletics doping ban Jemimah Sumgong EPO Marathon champion

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories