Athletics: Adak boss asks runners to adhere to anti-doping regulations

 

Anti-doping Association of Kenyan (ADAK) Director Japhter Rugut during press briefing at Trade Mark Hotel in Nairobi onThursday, Sept 27, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) has called on athletes to stick to anti-doping regulations as they protect themselves from coronavirus.

Yesterday, Adak CEO Japhter Rugut said they are conducting less testing exercises at the moment.

“Where no mobility or physical contact restrictions have been put in place by local authorities, testing may still occur anytime and anywhere," he said.

“Athletes and sample collection personnel must also, as far as possible, maintain the recommended social distance of two metres.” 

Rugut added that they are also closely monitoring how the virus would impact on testing activities.

“We adjusted our daily operations by suspending or reducing doping control programs (including testing and other activities). We acknowledge that these necessary actions will impact on athletes' confidence,” he said.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), Rugut said, is closely monitoring where levels of testing have been reduced or cancelled altogether.

“When the sporting industry returns to normal, all ‘gaps’ in testing may be addressed through additional targeted testing. It is also important for athletes to remember that doping control samples continue to be stored for future analysis and that with the Athlete Biological Passport, some samples collected post-coronavirus may reveal indications of doping that occurred during the period,” he said.

Where no mobility or physical contact restrictions have been put in place by local authorities, Rugut said testing may still occur anytime and anywhere.

He said athletes must update their whereabouts as they remain subject to testing.

“If you wish to share information about your health, self-isolation, mobility restrictions, which may impact on doping controls, please share this information with your whereabouts submission,” he said.

Rugut said athletes must be tested even when they are in self-isolation.

“That is a must, not unless there is a mandatory isolation or a lockdown.”

Athletes, who have medical conditions will get Therapeutic Use Exemption.