Kenyan Sprinter Otieno Eyes Return After Suspension

FILE - (L-R) U.S. athlete Kyree King, Norway's Jonathan Quarcoo and Kenya's Mark Otieno Odhiambo compete in the heats of the men's 200m athletics event at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in 2017.

Kenyan sprinter Mark Otieno is ready to make up for lost time at the Paris Olympics next year after his career was derailed by a doping suspension.

Otieno tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid methasterone and was suspended from the Tokyo Games in 2021 moments before he was due to compete in the 100m heats.

"The long absence has undoubtedly affected my performances but I am happy to be back again," the 30-year-old told AFP.

"My priority is to qualify for the Olympics next year."

The three-time national 100m champion returned to full training early this month and on Wednesday met Kenya's Olympic officials.

Otieno, whose personal best for the 100m is 10.05 seconds, will have to run under 10 seconds by June next year to qualify for the Olympics in Paris.