Mark Otieno seeking funds to boost 2024 Paris Olympics qualification

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ATHLETICS Mark Otieno seeking funds to boost 2024 Paris Olympics qualification

Mark Kinyanjui 07:31 - 09.08.2023

Otieno is eligible to compete again having been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).

Rejuvenated Kenyan sprinter Mark Otieno has revealed he is seeking funds to aid his dream of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Otieno is eligible to compete again having been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) due to the presence of the prohibited substance Methasterone in his system hours before his 100m Tokyo Olympics race.

At the time, Otieno proved his case that he had no intentions to cheat but consumed contaminated supplements due to bad manufacturing practices, leading to a positive drug test result. 

The former 100m and 200m national champion has revealed what he needs in order to help him qualify for the Olympics.

“If I can get some funds to propel me for next year because that is the same thing I did in 2021, at least I got a few funds that helped me to qualify for the Olympics.

“In terms of equipment, there are some things that I have that have been overused and cannot be used again, so if I can get some funds here and there, it will help me to prepare.”

He has now put the doping ban behind him and is targeting a return to the track with glory in his sights come 2024.

“I have learned a lot in terms of supplements, at least I can say I am ready to help athletes out there. There are some things that personally, to be honest, I did not know,” Otieno told Radul Live.

“I came to realize that there are supplements that are tested, it is just that they were not exposed enough but they are still out there.”

Otieno added that he is ready to help fellow athletes by offering advice on how they can avoid finding themselves in the sticky situation he faced.

“Since I am back, I am ready to help athletes out there, to tell them that there are supplements that are tested and some that are not tested. One should not just go and buy supplements out of nowhere.

“Do your research because that is what helped us. There are things that also helped us win the case, in terms of your Google search, your Google location when you are traveling so that when you are asked tough questions, at least you have your ducks in a row.”

Meanwhile, the 30-year-old athlete says he is looking forward to taking part in his first competitive race which will enable him to know where he stands, before using it as a platform to build on towards Olympic qualification time.

"I am really looking forward to my first competition to see where I am at. Qualification for the Olympics is open and if I get the qualifying time, I can start focusing on the Olympics.”

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