Kiplagat is back as AK congratulates Team Kenya for conquering the world, puts doping cheats on notice

Athletics Kenya (AK) President Isaiah Kiplagat is back in office.

Kiplagat, who had taken a three month’s sabbatical leave between May 31 and August 31 to concentrate on world athletics governing body International Associations of Athletics Federations (IAAF) elections where he vied for the post of Vice President and lost, said he will only vacate office if the AK’s Executive Committee decides so.

“As you know the (AK) Executive Committee is currently involved in the All Africa Games. They will decide my fate after the continental games. If they decide I leave office, it is fine I will go home. Their decision will be final,” Kiplagat, who said he is satisfied with the results of the IAAF elections, told reporters at Riadha House, Nairobi, yesterday.

“I want to say it was still not my time to be at the IAAF, I am grateful for the achievements I have acquired as an individual in the world of athletics,” said Kiplagat, adding that the greatest lesson he learnt in the IAAF elections is that one should amass enough resources in order to win.

ADEQUATE RESOURCES

“All the winners had adequate resources to comb the world in their campaigns. They were fully supported by their governments which anchored their wins,” the AK President (pictured) said.

He was, however, grateful that the Confederation of African Athletics nominated AK Vice President David Okeyo as the continent’s representative at the IAAF.

Meanwhile, AK has congratulated Team Kenya for finishing first at the just-concluded 2015 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China. Kiplagat said this was the best ever performance for Kenya in his 40 years.

The AK President said: “Team Kenya has done us proud, it was splendid performance. This is my proudest moment at AK. Even if I exit the federation today I would go a happy man.” 

THANKED SPONSORS

“I am grateful to sponsors including Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank, Nike and the Government, which has always given out air tickets and allowances to the athletes,” he said, adding: “More so I thank the Finish Athletics Federation for accepting to hone Julius Yego’s skills, who has realised a gold medal in the rare discipline.”

At the same time, AK has warned that heads will roll upon completion of investigations into what led to Kenya’s national 400m record holder Joyce Zakary and Fransisca Koki being suspended by IAAF for doping in Beijing.

“Currently there are leads. Investigations are being carried out. We will give a comprehensive statement soon. Those involved will suffer the consequences,” warned Kiplagat.

Kiplagat said marathon teams will train with other Team Kenya members to avoid the kind of ‘disaster’ realised in Beijing where the country failed to bag any medal in the men’s marathon.