Mar 2 • 19:05 UTC 🇩🇰 Denmark Politiken

27 Kenyan athletes suspended for doping violations

27 Kenyan athletes, including marathon runner Rita Jeptoo and national 400m hurdles champion Wiseman Were, have been temporarily suspended for doping violations, according to Kenya's anti-doping agency.

Kenya's anti-doping agency (ADAK) has announced the temporary suspension of 27 Kenyan athletes due to violations of doping regulations. Among those suspended is Rita Jeptoo, a well-known marathon runner famous for her victories at both the Boston and Chicago Marathons. Jeptoo, who has previously faced a four-year ban for doping, returned to competition only three years ago but has now tested positive for anabolic steroids, leading to her suspension. Other athletes listed include national champion Wiseman Were in the 400 meters hurdles, as well as several football and basketball players who are also facing temporary suspensions for various doping offenses.

Since 2017, more than 140 Kenyan athletes, primarily long-distance runners, have been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), which is more than any other nation. This trend highlights a growing issue within Kenyan athletics, where doping violations have become a significant concern. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has had ADAK under close scrutiny for a while, as it has failed to comply with the regulatory standards set forth, prompting ongoing discussions about the integrity of the sport and the measures in place to combat doping effectively. The situation raises questions about the future of athletics in Kenya and the potential impact on the country's reputation in global sports.

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