Anti-doping rules are here, they’re non-negotiable

The earlier athletics stakeholders understand that it is no longer business as usual within the fraternity, the better for all of us.

I am talking matters doping and why we must handle the subject with care. Lately many seem to have reverted to criticism without caring to understand the matter.

Recently, Athletics Kenya outlined the doping rules that will guide our athletes in countdown to the August’s World Championships in London.

The truth of the matter is that every individual athlete has to comply with the latest IAAF rules if they are to take part in the global championships.
Subsequently, AK have taken up the matter and they want it followed to the letter.

Among the conditions are, for athletes to feature in trials, they must have qualified on time and must also comply with the IAAF Anti-Doping regulations by undergoing two tests in competition and three tests out of competition.

They must also sign a letter, committing themselves to the limitations as per the IAAF rules. Every athlete must also be registered under AK to feature in the trials.

Failure to meet these conditions (locally), the affected athlete will not be invited for trials because even if they succeed, they will not be allowed to compete at the Worlds.

Adak seminars are also a must-attend for the athletes because they form the basis of the pre-qualification conditions.

Having said that, athletes should understand that rules are rules and must be followed to the letter. These are not the conditions of AK but the IAAF and there will be no exceptions.

Remember we are still on the IAAF watchlist and therefore we cannot afford to go against these measures.

The truth of the matter is that Adak in conjunction with AK are being pushed by IAAF to ensure the conditions are met within the stipulated deadline.
It is not time for politics because this will only land us in trouble.

We appreciate AK and Adak have had their own challenges especially with the deadlines but there is need to corporate and ensure we are on the right track.

These problem of doping was created by athletes themselves and their managers and they are the only ones who can end them by doing the right thing.

The government too needs to play their role to the fullest to ensure the country’s pride is protected. Kenya is the home of champions and this is a natural resource we can not afford to lose.

We have a choice. Either we work together and succeed or engage in politics and suffer.