Wilson Kipsang calls AK drug test statement 'malicious'

Former world marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang has accused Athletics Kenya (AK) of malice after the federation said he missed an out-of-competition drug test in November.

Kipsang said the move by AK breached his privacy and alleged there was malicious intent to tarnish his name for being the head of the Professional Athletics Association of Kenya.

Kipsang said he submitted all the required details on where he was after the IAAF sought to know why he missed the test.

The athlete said that on that day, he was in Nairobi with current marathon world record holder Dennis Kimetto preparing to fly to South Africa for the Global Athletes Conference.

“I submitted all the necessary details to the IAAF and the matter was settled in accordance to the governing law,” Kipsang said.

“On the dates mentioned, I was to travel to South Africa to attend a global athletics conference, where I was representing Africa and Kenya, hence Athletics Kenya was aware.”

Kipsang, who claimed bronze at the 2012 London Olympics and won the London and New York City Marathons this year said he also updated the authorities on his whereabouts and wondered why the officials had to go to his house in Iten when he was in Nairobi.

“The statement (from) AK was malicious and it will not scare me from serving my country whatsoever,” said Kipsang.

“My legal team will be ready any time from now to respond on the way forward to save this country from unprofessional conduct by AK.”

A statement from AK said that Kipsang missed the test on November 13, and the athlete was requested by the IAAF to provide an explanation, which he did on November 23.