IAAF issues apology to athletes after records are leaked
Athletics
By
Dennis Okeyo
| Jul 08, 2017
World javelin champion Julius Yego and former world 800m champion Janeth Jepkosgei yesterday angrily reacted to their names appearing in the alleged leaked Athlete Biological passport released by Russian hackers on Wednesday.
The duo are among nine Kenyan track and field stars named in the Fancy Bear file linking them to doping violations even as the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) issued an apology to the athletes named in the hacked documents.
In an email to newsrooms yesterday, Jepkosgei denounced any links to doping and described the allegations as deeply saddening and disappointing in her 15 years of running career.
“This news has deeply saddened and disappointed me as an elite athlete who dedicated her whole career to compete clean and fairly. Unfortunately, in the light of the latest Fancy Bear report, whose authenticity can only be confirmed by the relevant authorities, I must say that this has already done a huge damage to my reputation and image which I built through hard work, dedication and commitment,” read her statement
Anti-doping rules
Jepkosgei whose leaked data was indicated as “Likely doping; Passport suspicious: further data is required”, said: “Although, IAAF has issued a statement highlighting that there was no violation of the anti-doping rules, I would do everything possible and within my means to ensure that they (IAAF), an institution that I highly respect and abide by their rules, eventually clears up this situation.
“Never in my 15 years as an athlete have I ever violated the rules by taking any prohibited substances or engaged in methods that are against the set regulations.
“I’m a strong believer of clean sport and I have practiced that my entire career; that’s why I don’t condone cheating and anyone found breaking or bending the rules deserves to be punished.”
On his part, Yego - who is preparing to defend his title in the forthcoming IAAF World Championships in London - slammed the allegations and said he was clean.
“I can’t believe my name got in there. I’m clean and will ever remain clean. I will put all my test results for both urine and blood on the limelight someday,” said Yego.
On Thursday night, IAAF offered apologies to the