Samuel Imeta among 20 athletes provisionally suspended for doping violations

ATHLETICS Samuel Imeta among 20 athletes provisionally suspended for doping violations

Abigael Wafula 17:00 - 03.06.2023

The 24-year-old tested positive for Anabolic Androgenic Steroids during the second Athletics Kenya meet.

Fast-rising sprint sensation Samwel Imeta is among the 20 athletes who have been provisionally suspended by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) for various rule violations.

As reported by Nation Sports, the 24-year-old tested positive for Anabolic Androgenic Steroids during the second Athletics Kenya meet where he wowed the crowd to finish second in 9.94 behind African champion Ferdinand Omanyala.

Imeta had been off to a good start this season but it has suddenly been cut short as investigations continue. In his outdoor tour in South Africa, the Kenya Army officer finished among the top five in all his three races. 

He started off with the first ASA Grand Prix where he finished fourth and then headed to the second edition of the Grand Prix where the finished second. He reigned supreme in the third ASA Grand Prix and went for the Botswana Golden Grand Prix where he won category A of the 100m race. 

He then teamed up with Omanyala, Stephen Ochieng, and Boniface Mweresa to reign supreme over the 4x100m relay in Botswana. His suspension comes as a big blow to the relay team as he has always played a vital part in the event. All the remarkable achievements he has made this year also remain null. 

Meanwhile, the 2021 world under-20 3000m silver medallist Zenah Jemutai, Africa 800m champion Jarinter Mawia and Kip Keino Classic 400m Hurdles champion Hannah Mwangi have also been added to the list of shame. Evangeline Makena, Gladys Nthenya, and Agnes Mumbua are also in the mix.

Jemutai tested positive for the prohibited substance Triamcinolone acetonide while Mawia's samples tested positive for several banned substances including Erythropoietin. 

Upcoming athletes including Stephen Kiplagat, Victor Koskey, Collins Koros, Cynthia Kendi, and Eric Kiptoo also join the long list of Kenyans suspended. Bernard Cheruiyot, Amos Kiprotich, and John Kariuki have also been included. 

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