Racing towards doping-free era
By Lucky Oluoch, July 7, 2023Kenya’s fight against doping in athletics has reached new heights with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) implementing rigorous clean sport programmes across the nation.
\In line with the Athletics Kenya (AK) calendar of events for 2022/2023, the focus has now shifted to the highly anticipated Kenyan Trials for the World Athletics Championships, fondly known as the “Mini Worlds,” set to take place today and tomorrow at the Nyayo National Stadium.
ADAK unleashed an unprecedented wave of testing, surpassing all previous records: In 2022, a mere 55 tests were conducted during the National Championships and Trials.
However, the current year has witnessed an astonishing surge, with 185 tests conducted during the National Championships and an incredible 205 tests dedicated exclusively to the trials.
The monumental effort culminates in 390 tests to register a remarkable sevenfold increase compared to the previous year.
In a statement to newsrooms, ADAK CEO Sarah Shibutse stated in part: “It is also worthy of noting that no notice out-of-competition tests were conducted in the lead up to the Trials at athletes homes or camps.
For the first time Dried Blood Spot samples will be collected during the weekend trials.”
The agency stated that the upcoming Trials will see a comprehensive range of tests being administered, including urine and blood tests, Erythropoietin (EPO) tests and Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) tests.
Unwavering commitment to stringent testing signifies a new era as Kenya aims to eradicate doping from its beloved sport.
Regrettably, Kenya finds itself categorised under the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU)’s Category A, denoting the highest number of doping cases among the seven World Athletics member federations falling under this classification.
An alarming statistic reveals that Kenya accounts for a troubling 40 per cent of all doping cases in global athletics. Nevertheless, this disheartening reality only fuels the determination to persist in promoting clean sport.
ADAK vowed to remain resolute in enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness in the battle against doping in Kenya. While isolated incidents of athletes violating anti-doping rules are both unfortunate and inexcusable, they serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle.