Sebastian Coe Commends Kenya’s Progress in Combating Doping Issues

World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe praised Kenya’s progress in anti-doping efforts during his recent visit, noting significant changes since January 2023. Kenya’s investment of $25 million over five years and increased anti-doping measures are part of the country’s commitment to rebuilding its reputation after past doping scandals. Despite the rise in sanctions among athletes, Coe believes the enhanced testing regime is effective.

Sebastian Coe, the chief of World Athletics, expressed satisfaction regarding Kenya’s advancements in combating doping, an issue that has previously jeopardized the country’s stature in sports. In his recent meeting with Kenyan officials in Nairobi, he noted a significant improvement compared to his last visit in January 2023, where he cautioned that Kenya faced a challenging path ahead.

Kenya has been proactive in enhancing its reputation following multiple doping scandals linked to the 2016 Rio Olympics, which led to its classification as non-compliant by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). In April 2023, the nation announced a $25 million investment over five years aimed at addressing doping within athletics.

Coe remarked on the tangible improvements witnessed, including an increase in anti-doping personnel, testing, investigative measures, and educational initiatives. “We are moving in the right direction,” he stated, acknowledging the establishment of better systems to combat doping in athletics.

Despite the progress, Coe emphasized that Kenya is still recovering and maintaining faith in the established system to combat doping. Since 2017, nearly 130 Kenyan athletes, predominantly in long-distance running, have faced sanctions for doping violations. Furthermore, the country issued its first lifetime ban to marathon runner Beatrice Toroitich in June, alongside a six-year ban for 10km record-holder Rhonex Kipruto.

Coe cautioned that the count of sanctioned athletes might continue to rise, attributing this to the effectiveness of the stringent testing protocols. In addition, the former Olympic champion is poised to compete for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Greece this month.

In summary, Sebastian Coe’s assessment highlights the strides made by Kenya in its battle against doping, particularly through significant financial investment and the enhancement of preventive systems. While the numbers of sanctioned athletes are concerning, they also reflect the efficacy of the country’s renewed commitment to clean athletics. Coe’s positive outlook indicates a promising direction for Kenya as it continues to address these challenges.

Original Source: sportstar.thehindu.com