This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
Published on September 21, 2019
Kenya's hopes of a strong performance at the upcoming World Championships in Doha have been dealt a blow with the withdrawal of two athletes, Jackline Wambui and Linda Kageha, due to their failure to take mandatory testosterone level tests.
According to Athletics Kenya Vice President in charge of competitions Paul Mutwii, Wambui and Kageha declined to undergo the required tests, which led to their withdrawal from the global event.
"The IAAF has set tough conditions on gender and doping, and we must comply. If an athlete fails to take the tests, they are definitely out of the (world) championships," Mutwii told Reuters.
Wambui's withdrawal has left 2013 world champion Eunice Sum as Kenya's only entrant in the women's 800m event.
Meanwhile, Michael Kibet and Daniel Simiyu, who finished first and second in the 5,000m at the Kenyan trials, are still awaiting clearance to run in the World Championships after failing to meet Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) criteria for three out-of-competition and one in-competition doping tests.
"We have, however, entered them pending clearance from AIU. We expect a response from AIU by Monday next week," Mutwii added.
Kenya's head coach Julius Kirwa has praised Elijah Manang'oi, who pulled out of the team due to injury, for his sincerity.
"I have never seen such a high level of honesty since 1983 when I started my athletics career, he is unique," Kirwa said.
