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Julius Yego has praised Athletics Kenya for defending Ruth Chepng’etich against doping allegations after her world record marathon, urging critics to stop spreading negativity and let her celebrate her achievement.
The 2015 world javelin champion Julius Yego has lauded Athletics Kenya for jumping to the defence of Ruth Chepng’etich following doping claims after she broke the women’s marathon world record.
Ruth Chepng’etich clocked a stunning 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon to shatter Tigst Assefa’s previous world record of 2:11:53 that she set at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. Following her record-breaking run, many analysts have come out to claim that her record is too good to be true.
To dismiss the claims, Athletics Kenya released a statement in defence of Ruth Chepng’etich, explaining that many world records have already been broken this season and singling out her record is unfair. The Kenyan federation urged the media to give Ruth Chepng’etich privacy as she celebrates the feat.
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07:00 - 20.10.2024
'There’s nothing magic'- Veteran tactician dismisses doping claims following Ruth Chepng'etich's & John Korir's Chicago Marathon performance
John Korir’s coach, Ron Mann, dismissed doping rumors surrounding Korir and Ruth Chepng’etich’s record-breaking performances at the Chicago Marathon, attributing their success to hard work and dedication.
“In any case, many world records were broken this year, and to single her out is utterly unfair. It is therefore disheartening to witness some sections of the media casting unwarranted doubt on her achievements. Such aspersions, made without due process, undermine not only her efforts but the integrity of the sport,” Athletics Kenya said in a statement.
“We urge the media and the global community to give Ruth the respect she deserves and protect athletes from harassment. Let her celebrate this hard-earned victory and let us acknowledge the years of hard work and discipline that have brought her to this moment.”
Julius Yego also joined Athletics Kenya in urging people to avoid spreading malicious rules and let Rut Chepng’etich celebrate her record in peace. “Good to make this response! People are so malicious and jealous of someone's success that they start to make negative comments about Ruth’s record-breaking run!” Yego said in a statement on Facebook.
Among notable people who have expressed doubts about Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record is the 1968 Boston Marathon champion Ambrose Burfoot, popularly known as Amby Burfoot. Burfoot shared a detailed assessment as to why he finds it difficult to believe the Kenyan’s world record.
Robert Johnson, a journalist from Letsrun.com also asked Ruth Chepng’etich a question about doping, something that Kenyan fans found offensive.
“In recent years there have been a number of doping positives in Kenya. What would you say if someone, when they see 2:09:56, they said, ‘This is too good to be true, I have questions about it’? Some people might think that the time is too fast and that you might be doping, what would you say?” Robert Johnson asked.
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17:00 - 20.10.2024
How Athletics Kenya plan to boost Tokyo 2025 preparations & restore global dominance
Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei aims to restore Kenya's dominance in global middle and long-distance races through a new season calendar.
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