Not giving up on the fight: ADAK announces move to intensify doping tests in upcoming athletics trials

ADAK -the Anti Doping Agency of Kenya - mandated to coordinate national anti-doping education and awareness campaign for a doping-free sport, has announced its plan to intensify ‘clean sports programs’ across the country as per the Athletics Kenya calendar of events, with the dragnet expected to feature in the upcoming Kenyan Trials for World Athletics Championships set for 7-8 July at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The announcement, made in a Thursday press statement from the body’s Chief Executive Officer Sarah Shibutse, will introduce ‘intensified unprecedented’ tests that will be the new norm as efforts intensify to slay the doping demon in the country.

“The intensified unprecedented tests are targeted for athletes who will be participating in the Mini Worlds on July 7-8 at Nyayo National Stadium,” ADAK’s statement read.

Making a feature for the first time, will be the collection of Dried Blood Spot samples - one used in laboratories for testing antibodies, antigens, or nucleic acids - that will be used in the weekend round of testing.

In addition to that, there will be the normal urine and blood tests, EPO tests, and Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) tests.

The development comes against the backdrop of Kenyan athletes’ testing taking a major leap from last year - featuring over 390 tests (185 for National Championships and 205 for trials) as compared to a combined total of 55 tests combined for both events in 2022.

“It is also worth noting that no notice out-of-competition tests were conducted in the lead up to the Trials at athletes homes or camps,” the communique added.

As per the agency, their resolve to continue promoting clean sport will not be dampened, even as the country remains under the Athletics Integrity Unit’s watchlist, having contributed to over 40% of all doping cases globally in athletics.

“The value of clean sport in athletics to National Development cannot be over-emphasized and therefore ADAK will not hesitate to impose stiffer penalties on those athletes and athlete support personnel who wish to make a mockery of the doping control processes,” the statement added.

Samuel Imeta among athletes provisionally suspended by ADAK for doping violations

Kenyan standout sprinter Samwel Imeta was among a group of 20 athletes that were in June provisionally suspended by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya for various doping violations following a positive test in the second Athletics Kenya Track meeting held on 24 February 24 at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Other athletes, who ranged from a variety of sports in the country, had their positive tests arise from Athletics Kenya Track and Field meetings in Thika and Mombasa this year.