Nairobi, Kenya: She had hope her case would be dropped, but after 12 trips to Athletics Kenya (AK) offices in Nairobi, Iten-based Joyce Jemutai Kiplimo gave up.
It therefore never came as a surprise when her name was mentioned among the two new athletes who failed dope test.
“I had given up. I was sixth at the Yangzhou Jianzen International Half Marathon, held in Yangzhou China in April.
“AK called me in March to explain my case and each time, they wanted to know how much money I had made. I don’t have money and I did not cheat knowingly. It was because of the family planning (sic) and the knee injury. My bones were painful.
“I went to the doctor and he prescribed an injection for me. Later, I was told by the race organisers that I had failed the dope test. I gave all relevant medical documents to AK officials. They called me starting in May and to date I have made over 12 trips to Riadha House. That is money spent on the road and accommodation, yet they never listened to my case.
“In November, they asked me to appeal my case, after my manager had inquired why the issue was taking longer than expected. Even if I was to provide sample B, does it take this long.”
Kiplimo case involved the urine sample collected in Yangzhou in April. It revealed the presence of prohibited substance Norandosterone.
“Following the hearings and upon evaluating the details of the case in consultation with the IAAF, Athletics Kenya handed Kiplimo two-year sanction. The sanction is effective from 20th April 2014,” said a statement from AK.
But Kiplimo feels something is not right at Riadha House, where Isaiah Kiplagat has reigned as President of the country’s track and field body for the last 21 years.
“There is no justice there. You are called and for a full day, you sit in the reception. They treat you with contempt. No care at all. I feel betrayed by the very people I believe were meant to defend my case.
“That is why I say it is useless to appeal. Their structures and systems are not functional,” said Kiplimo.
AK Chief Executive Isaac Mwangi declined to comment on the issue saying he required more time to review it. In the meantime, the athlete will continue to serve her ban.
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