Kevin Kipkorir: Why 4x400 meters mixed relay athlete faces Olympic setback amid testing controversy

Quartet of David Sanayiek, Kelvin Kipkorir, Zablon Ekwam, and Boniface Mweresa pose for a photo after anchoring Kenya to a silver medal in the men's 4x400m relay. IMAGE/ Courtesy

Kevin Kipkorir: Why 4x400 meters mixed relay athlete faces Olympic setback amid testing controversy

Festus Chuma 11:06 - 14.07.2024

Kenya's Kevin Kipkorir was excluded from the Olympics training camp amidst controversy surrounding his absence during the team's preparations for Paris.

Kenyan 4x400 meters mixed relay athlete Kevin Kipkorir was not part of the team traveling to the pre-Olympic training camp in Miramas, a decision that has stirred controversy and confusion.

Athletics Kenya (AK) has cited non-compliance with doping protocols as the reason specifically insufficient anti-doping tests as mandated by World Athletics.

The exclusion came as a shock to many, including Kipkorir himself, who was preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics where Kenya's mixed relay team has qualified.

“I was shocked that I was informed on the last day when the team was traveling for pre-Olympics training camp in Miram that I had not undergone the doping tests but I have all the results with me," Kipkorir said in an interview with NTV.

Athletics Kenya has placed the responsibility on the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) claiming that the agency did not conduct the required number of doping tests.

According to World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules Rule 15.5.1 (c), an athlete from a Category 'A' Member Federation must undergo at least three no-notice out-of-competition tests, spaced at least three weeks apart, within 10 months prior to major championships like the Olympics.

ADAK CEO Sarah Shibutse confirmed the numbers but highlighted a procedural lapse.

"He has three tests: two are out of competition and one is in competition. The deadline for AIU is for us to test athletes going for the Olympics was 4th July. AK told us about this athlete on the 4th of July telling us this athlete has been included in the team," she explained.

This last-minute notification by AK to ADAK effectively placed Kipkorir at a disadvantage unable to meet the stringent testing timeline.

Athletics Kenya Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir has suggested that an appeal might be necessary.

"There was a test that came less than 21 days as described by World Athletics. Per the rules, he is not qualified to run unless AK appeals as an extra thing that happened," he noted.

This appeal could be Kipkorir's last hope to join his team at the training camp and subsequently at the Olympics.

The Kenyan team's journey to the Paris Olympic Games was fraught with challenges.

After failing to secure an automatic spot at the World Athletics Relay Championships in May they managed to qualify by ranking inside the top 16 by the June 30 deadline.

With a season-best time of 3:11.88 achieved at the Kenya Paris Olympic Trials on June 15 at Nyayo National Stadium, the team ranked 16th globally and 11th at the Olympic trials, leading all African nations.

Despite the setback with Kipkorir, Kenya remains focused on their preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

The 4x400m mixed relay heats are scheduled to begin on August 2, with the finals slated for August 3.

Alongside Nigeria Kenya will represent Africa in this fiercely competitive event.