Kenyan athletes eyeing the Tokyo World Championships will face rigorous drug testing. Athletics Kenya announced Wednesday that contenders must undergo three doping controls to qualify. This stringent program aims to combat the nation’s persistent doping issues.
A pool of 444 athletes has been identified for this comprehensive testing regime. The initiative will be a collaborative effort between Athletics Kenya, the national anti-doping agency, and World Athletics. These measures mirror those implemented before the Paris Olympics, emphasizing clean competition.
Jackson Tuwei, Athletics Kenya chief, stressed the importance of compliance. Athletes face in-competition and out-of-competition tests under these strict guidelines. Missing tests or failing to cooperate with doping authorities will jeopardize eligibility for the prestigious event scheduled for September.
Kenya has been grappling with a spate of doping scandals, particularly among long-distance runners. Approximately 130 Kenyan athletes have been sanctioned since 2017, prompting significant concern from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Despite government investment and efforts, Kenya remains on WADA’s watchlist.
Recent suspensions, including that of former half-marathon record holder Kibiwott Kandie, highlight the ongoing challenge. While WADA remains concerned, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe recently expressed satisfaction with Kenya’s anti-doping progress during a visit to the country.Kenyan athletes face three drug tests for world championships