Sprinter Mark Otieno provisionally suspended by Athletics Integrity Unit

Mark Otieno leading in 100mts men category during trials for Tokyo olympic games at Kasarani stadium, June 17, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended Kenyan sprinter Mark Otieno asserted to have breached anti-doping rules in Tokyo 2020 following testing by International Testing Agency (ITA).

“The ITA, who are responsible for testing at the Olympic Games on behalf of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), had asserted anti-doping rule violations and provisionally suspended Otieno alongside four other athletes,” said AIU.

Otieno did not take part in the Tokyo Olympics after failing a doping test. The 28-year-old returned an adverse analytical finding for anabolic androgenic steroid.

The AIU said that Otieno was found to have the presence and use of a prohibited substance methasterone.

Furthermore, the AIU has also been notified of another Adverse Analytical Finding for Kenya’s Odhiambo.

"On August 2, the WADA-accredited laboratory in Bloemfontein (RSA), confirmed an Adverse Analytical Finding in a sample collected on June 24 by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).”

“Upon request, ADAK immediately handed over the case management responsibility for the ADAK sample to the AIU. The determination of consequences for the ADAK sample will also follow the conclusion of the ITA proceedings against Odhiambo," said AIU in a statement.

As well as Otieno, British sprinter CJ Ujah, who won an Olympic silver medal in the 4x100m relay, Bahrain's 1500m runner Sadik Mikhou and Georgian shot-putter Benik Abramyan have also been provisionally suspended following adverse tests, the AIU added.

"The AIU now awaits the conclusion of the International Testing Agency (ITA) proceedings against the above athletes, which will determine whether any anti-doping rule violations have been committed and what consequences (if any) should be imposed in relation to the Olympic Games," said a statement.

"Any consequences beyond the Olympic Games to be imposed upon the athletes under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules will be determined following the conclusion of the ITA proceedings."