Doping AIU refutes claims that track star sample was contaminated

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Asbel Kiprop tested positive for the endurance-boosting drug EPO, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed yesterday, refuting allegations by the track star that his sample might have been contaminated.

Kiprop, a three-time world 1500m champion and 2008 Olympic gold medallist, on Thursday “vehemently denied” doping, suggesting an out-of-competition sample he gave could have been contaminated by two anti-doping agents he suspects might have targeted him for extortion.

The AIU, which deals with doping matters for track and field’s governing body the IAAF, responded by saying that 28-year-old Kiprop was notified on February 3 of having tested positive for EPO.

“On March 16, 2018, Mr Kiprop was charged with violations of the IAAF Anti-Doping Rules and the matter is currently proceeding before the independent IAAF Disciplinary Tribunal,” the AIU said in a statement.

“The AIU is satisfied that there has been no mix-up or tampering with the sample and that the sample collected from the Athlete on November 27, 2017 was the same sample analysed by the Laboratory and reported as an Adverse Analytical Finding,” the statement said.

However, the AIU confirmed that the doping control agent had given Kiprop advance warning of the test, an act it described as “extremely disappointing”.

But the body argued: “The advanced notice of testing given by the Doping Control Assistant could not reasonably have caused EPO to be present in Mr Kiprop’s sample and, as such, the departure does not invalidate the Adverse Analytical Finding. This will ultimately be a matter for the Tribunal to determine.”

The AIU also rejected Kiprop’s claim that he was offered a “reward” for being an IAAF ambassador on anti-doping in return to admitting to having taken the drug.

Kiprop said on Thursday he had been left “extremely shocked” when informed of the positive test, adding: “I was however very confident the mistake alleging I doped would be noted and I would be cleared. The nightmare has continued.

“I did not dope. I do not labour under the weight of the shame of doping.”

At the same time, the Anti Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) has distanced itself from the individuals named by Kiprop in his statement.

Kiprop had named Simon Karugu ‘Mburu’ and Paul Scott, but Adak said they were never associated with the agency and at the same time has urged Kenyan athletes and their support personnel to continue attending anti-doping education activities.

Anti-doping education is one of the key mandates for which the Agency was established and it is a preventive strategy against the doping menace.