AK outlines tough measures ahead of World Championship trials

Athletics Kenya (AK) has announced a raft of tough  measures as it gears for the national athletics championships which will also double up as the trials for the World Championships.

Addressing journalists Tuesday, AK President Jack Tuwei said that for athletes to take part in the trials, they must hit the qualifying standards as well as adhere to the anti-doping rules that require athletes to undertake at least three mandatory tests prior to the championships.

“We have two qualification system where apart from the qualifying standards, athletes must fulfil anti-doping requirements where they must have undertaken at least three tests heading to the championships. We would therefore like to urge athletes to take this seriously and cooperate accordingly,” said Tuwei.

The federation revealed the anti-doping mechanism is a mandatory requirement from the world athletics governing body IAAF and Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) on countries on category ‘A’-countries with high prevalence of doping.

While quite a number of athletes have already attained the qualification standards of the global competition, the majority are yet to confer with the anti-doping rules with at least 84 athletes (probables) still under the radar of Anti-doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and (AIU).

Similarly, the federation has tinkered with its calendar with the trials dates being moved to August 20-22 with the Nyayo National Stadium now set to host the three-day event.

The AK boss further revealed that there will be no use of wild cards at the trials safe for the defending champions and Diamond League winners.

This year’s event will also have three guest teams; the National Youth Service (NYS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Refugee team.

“We will not allow an individual athlete. Apart from the three guest teams, all the others must represent AK affiliates which include disciplined forces, institutions and regions,” added Tuwei.

In addition, quota system is still in place in order to cushion the number of participants at the trials.

This year’s World Championships is slated for September 28-October 6 in Doha, Qatar.