This archive report was first published on 8 August 2020.
On August 8, 2020, Olympic Champion Conseslus Kipruto announced that he would miss the season-opening Diamond League meet in Monaco due to a positive COVID-19 test.
As part of the protocol for athletes competing in the meet, Kipruto was tested for COVID-19 on Friday, and his results came back positive.
"Our world is going through a challenging period and we all have to take our responsibilities," Kipruto stated on his official Instagram page. "Unfortunately, my COVID-19 test, as part of the Monaco-protocol, came back positive and therefore I can’t be part of the Monaco Diamond League on August 14th."
Despite being in great shape and planning to attempt the World Record, Kipruto expressed his disappointment at missing the meet.
"I don’t have any symptoms and I was actually in great shape. I was planning to go for the World Record: it has stayed too long outside Kenya. As the World and Olympic champion, I feel strongly it’s something I should go for as well," he said.
"Wish to thank Monaco for all the work they have done, and I wish them and my colleagues a wonderful competition. Athletics is back and I will be back as well," Kipruto added.
