US ambassador Godec urges Kenya to step up anti-doping war
America Ambassador to Kenya, Robert Godec, during the interview at Kerio View Hotel in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County on February 11, 2016. The envoy has added his voice to concerns over the doping menace that threatens to lock Kenya out of the Rio Olympics by calling for the establishment of mechanisms to curb the menace. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |
What you need to know:
- With Kenya facing possible sanctions for dragging its feet in the war against performance-enhancing substances, Godec believes doping menace is a global problem and not peculiar to Kenya alone.
- Godec, who has an unflinching passion for running and keeping fit, took to the dirt roads of Iten and completed a few laps on the famous Kamariny Stadium on Friday in the company of world-beating marathon runners for a training run.
- His appeal came as last Thursday’s deadline set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) for Kenya to show its commitment in the fight against doping expired.
- The Government last week committed an additional Sh500 million to fight the doping menace in the country.
US ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec has added his voice to concerns over the doping menace that threatens to lock Kenya out of the Rio Olympics by calling for the establishment of mechanisms to curb the menace.
But with Kenya facing possible sanctions for dragging its feet in the war against performance-enhancing substances, Godec believes doping menace is a global problem and not peculiar to Kenya alone.
Godec, who has an unflinching passion for running and keeping fit, took to the dirt roads of Iten and completed a few laps on the famous Kamariny Stadium on Friday in the company of world-beating marathon runners for a training run.
He joined Uganda’s Olympic marathon champion Stephen Kiprotich, Kenya’s London and Berlin marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge and former Boston Marathon winner Wesley Korir for the 6.30am run.
He was accompanied by his political adviser Keith Beam.
GLOBAL PROBLEM
“Doping is not just a problem in Kenya, it is a problem in many other countries,” he said.
“But I know that the international athletics institutions are making an effort to deal with this problem.
“Sports has been one of the great things in my life and it’s also a great thing for many people but it needs to be done on a level playing field.”
The envoy said Kenya should put in place dope testing mechanism to ensure cheats are eradicated from sport.
His appeal came as last Thursday’s deadline set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) for Kenya to show its commitment in the fight against doping expired.
The Government last week committed an additional Sh500 million to fight the doping menace in the country.
