By Saddique Shaban
Kenya’s three-time world 1500M champion Asbel Kiprop has acknowledged an active investigation process is underway about a possible anti -doping rule violation, but has denied outright doping.
In a lightly statement released following leaked media report from the IAAF’s Athletics Integrity Unit investigations, the former world champion says he’s a victim of an elaborate extortion racked involving doping control officers.
“I did not at the time expect that the request for the money had anything to do with the sample. At that time I did not see the money as inducement or bribe for anything. I gave it in good faith thinking they may have some need known to them. In retrospect I now clearly see the money as having a relation with the sample collected on that date, and even the irregular advance notice I was given. “
The IAAF’s Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended the Kenyan athlete from competition as it investigates an adverse analytical finding on his samples, suspected to be EPO.
The IAU, Kenya’s Anti-doping agency and Kenya’s athletics body have all declined comment on the matter, citing respect for the process, but Kiprop claims his urine samples were swapped.
“After I came out of the bedroom my urine sample was split into 2 other containers [sample “A” and sample “B”] then sealed at 8.20am. Both Doping Officers left shortly after sealing the sample at 8.20am. They left probably around 8.30am.
The money I was asked for was remitted 9 minutes [at 8.11am] “
In a dramatic twist, the 2008 olympic medalist says he has been coerced into admitting the charge before the investigations are complete by the IAAF.
“I have been asked to admit that I doped so that I would be made an ambassador of I.A.A.F on anti-doping. I have refused, as this is not only untrue but also a fraud. I do not need absolution on the allegations. “
The athlete now says he is willing to travel to London with his legal and medical team for the opening of his “B” sample and has vowed to go to “any length” to defend his name.
These latest investigations will put further pressure on the IAAF anti-doping protocol and process as well as firmly shining the doping spotlight on Kenya, once again.
