Why athletes may have to wait longer for doping tests rule amendments

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ATHLETICS Why athletes may have to wait longer for doping tests rule amendments

Abigael Wafula 11:09 - 04.04.2023

AIU head, Clothier is currently in the country after a spike in doping cases.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) head Brett Clothier has revealed that it will take time to change the whereabouts information rule in matters concerning time.

He intimated that they strictly follow the World Anti-doping Code and it might take some time before the time is amended.

“We all have to stick with what is in the WADA code but from time to time, it’s always amended. We shall put that into consideration when that time comes,” Clothier said, as quoted by Nation Sport.

During his tour to Kenya, former world 1500m champion Asbel Kiprop had reasoned that the mandatory one-hour whereabouts period for athletes on the Registered Testing Pool has been a challenge for many athletes and called for it to be extended to a 90-minute period.

Elijah Manangoi was suspended by the AIU in July 2020, the ban then backdated to 2019 after he missed out on three consecutive out-of-competition tests.

“We appreciate the feedback from the athletes but they should note that the code is very strict and they should adhere to it,” he said.

Clothier also revealed that the main reason why he travelled to the country was because of the surging doping cases recorded in Kenya.

He added that he wanted to discuss the strategic plan with the Ministry of Sports and other relevant stakeholders with the aim of completely ending the menace.

“We also wanted to go out to the athletics community to meet with the athletes, coaches, and support staff and discuss how they feel about the issue and know the way forward,” he added.

https://twitter.com/ntvkenya/status/1642976149188882435?s=20

He noted that having set up a right foundation and with right support from the government, the country is now able to successfully put an end to the menace.

“We need to build on these foundations. We have to find the source of doping and currently, we are in a good position to do that. The community has to also come on board to help us,” he concluded.

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