Etyang’s chance to Tokyo hangs in the balance

Kamar Etyang during the national trials. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya’s listing of category ‘A’ of countries with the highest doping cases has put upcoming middle distance runner Kamar Etyang at risk of missing his maiden international debut at Tokyo Olympics.

He has not met the out-of-competition anti-doping tests as required by world running governing body Worth Athletics.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) rule 15, states that an athlete selected to represent a country ranked in category A in a major championships is required to have undergone three out-of-competition tests (urine and blood) 10 months prior to the competition.

According to Team Kenya General Team Manager for Tokyo Olympics, Barnaba Korir, the team’s management is handling Etyang's case with utmost discretion.

“He is one of the emerging talents who is yet to meet the anti-doping requirements; the three mandatory out-of-competition tests, which is very normal for a country like ours that keeps producing outstanding talents every day,” said Korir.

The 19-year old Etyang finished second at the national trials at Kasarani Stadium.