B. OsanoSprinter Mark Otieno's doping ban set to be lifted today
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 31.07.23. | 16:43
The sprinter was banned by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for alleged doping in 2022
Mark Otieno's two-year doping ban is set to be lifted by the end of today, and the athlete cannot wait to hit the track competitively again.
"In less than 12 hours, I will be eligible to compete again," the 30-year-old posted on his Social Media handles.
Mark was handed a backdated ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit due to the presence of the prohibited substance Methasterone in his system.
"Mine is a story of God's Faithfulness and Mercies," he added.
🚨 The return of Mark Otieno, a true fighter on and off the track.
— Lynne Wachira (@WachiraLynne) July 31, 2023
✅ He fought so hard to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics alongside F.Omanyala.
✅ Joy was short lived as he was ejected from the Olympic Games following presence of a prohibited substance in his sample.
🧵 🧵 pic.twitter.com/8Ad6FetyK3
The devastating ban that landed as Mark waited to compete at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics was backdated to July 31, 2021 and is set to elapse at midnight, paving the way for him to revive his sprinting career.
Otieno was one of Kenya’s most promising sprinters before the rise of Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala. Before his ban, Otieno had represented the country at the 2017, 2019, and 2021 World Athletics Relays.
He was also part of the Kenyan team at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the 2017 World Championships in London. The 30-year-old was also part of Team Kenya at the 2015 All-Africa Games and the 2016 and 2019 African Championships.
Kenya, known for its middle and long-distance runners, has been classified since 2016 as Category A (most at risk) on the World Athletics and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) watch list. The government has promised to step up the fight against the doping menace.
