Athletes from Rosa-managed camp denounce doping accusations

More than 200 elite and budding athletes, under the Rosa Associate Athletics Management, have said they are ready and willing to undergo doping tests as a way to clear the image of the company.

Athletes who met and addressed the press Thursday at the company’s camp in Kaptagat made an effort to refute claims that administering of drug in the Federico Rosa managed camp is rampant.

This is after two-time Chicago Marathon champion Rita Jeptoo’s sample “A” taken in an out-of-competition test in Kenya on September 25 tested positive of a blood-boosting substance.

“We are concerned by doping claims which are impacting negatively on our company. We are therefore ready to avail ourselves for doping tests,” said former world 800m champion, Janeth Jepkosgei, adding that officials from World Anti-doping Agency (Wada) and other institutions would make unannounced visits for the tests.

In 2012, Mathew Kisorio, another athlete from the camp, failed a doping test and was slapped with a two-year band. “We want to clear the air on this matter and condemn claims that athletes in this company use performance enhancing substances.

CONDEMNED ALLEGATIONS

Asbel Kiprop, the world 1500m champion, New York Marathon silver medallist Jemimah Sumgong, 2012/2013 World Marathon Majors jackpot winner Priscah Jeptoo, former world 800m champion Alfred Kirwa and World and Commonwealth Games 800m champion Eunice Sum were among the athletes who condemned claims that the camp was known for doping.

“Jeptoo’s case has not been verified and while we wait, it should be known that the management does not administer drugs to its athletes,” said Sum.