Paris Olympics: Kevin Kipkorir dropped from Team Kenya training camp in Miramas

As the Kenyan 4x400m relay team headed to Miramas for a high-performance training camp ahead of the Paris Olympics, Kevin Kipkorir, the winner of the national trials, was not part of the traveling squad following a late omission from the team.

In an interview with NTV Kenya, Athletics Kenya revealed that Kipkorir had not met the required number of doping tests, while also attributing some blame to the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).

Kipkorir was part of Kenya’s mixed 4x400m team that ranked within the desired top 16 places, guaranteeing their spot at the Summer Games.

Despite claims that he did not complete all the required doping tests, a dejected Kipkorir insists he had taken the tests and has documentation to prove it.

“I was called to Team Kenya’s training camp for the Paris Olympics but was surprised to hear on the last day that I was not part of the traveling party.

"I inquired with AK, who said I had not done all the out-of-competition tests, but I did all the tests and have the papers to confirm it,” he told NTV.

Kipkorir, who represented Kenya in the Bahamas, said he could not have participated in the African Championship if he had not completed all the tests.

“I went to the Bahamas with the team, and the African Championship required us to take all the tests before competing, which we did. Even after the trials, the team was not named instantly, as we were waiting for the doping results,” he added.

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Barnabas Korir, the Youth Development Director at AK, explained that one of Kipkorir’s tests was completed less than 21 days before the prescribed period by World Athletics anti-doping rules, which made it impossible for the 400-meter African silver medalist to make it to Paris.

World Athletics Anti-Doping Rule 15.5.1 states, “No athlete may participate as part of the National Team of a Category ‘A’ Member Federation in World Athletics World Championships or Olympic Games unless, in the 10 months prior, they have undergone at least three no-notice out-of-competition tests. The tests must be at least three weeks apart.”

“There was a test that came in less than 21 days as prescribed by World Athletics, and as per those rules, he is not qualified to run unless the federation appeals due to extraordinary circumstances,” said Korir.

On their part, ADAK distanced themselves from the developments, noting that AK had not done due diligence.

“He has three tests: two are out of competition, one is in competition. The deadline for AIU to test athletes to go to the Olympics was July 4th. AK told us about the athlete on the 4th of July. We checked and found he did not meet the requirements to be part of the team,” said Sarah Shibutse, CEO of ADAK.

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