Kiprop speaks on 'failed drugs test' reports

Three-time World 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop has denied taking any performance enhancing drugs.

Kiprop said that he "can never dare ruin his career through doping" and vowed to prove that he is a clean athlete. The 2008 Olympic champion won his first international gold medal for Kenya in the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa as a junior.

"I have read the reports linking me to doping. As an athlete, I have been at the forefront of the fight against doping in Kenya, a fight I strongly believe in and support," said Kiprop. "I would not want to ruin all what I have worked for since my first international race in 2007. I hope I can prove that I am a clean athlete in every way possible," said Kiprop, who is an athlete with Rosa Associati management.

However, Athletics Kenya and Rosa Associati could not deny or confirm whether Kiprop had tested positive for banned substances.

AK Nairobi Branch chairman Barnabas Korir stated that they will investigate the issue but called for caution.

When contacted, Rosa Associati founder Gabriella Rosa told Nation Sport on phonefrom Italy that "he is only a businessman based in Italy and doesn't manage any athlete."

'NOT AWARE OF SUCH A THING'

However, his son Federico, who runs the stable, said he was not aware of any doping case involving any of their athletes. "We are not aware of any case," said Federico.

Efforts to get information from Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) proved futile as Japhter Rugut failed to answer our calls.

Korir said World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) protocol is strict on such matters. "It's prudent to approach this issue with caution as it's not really conclusive as we speak," said Korir.

"The process to determine the allegations is on going and it takes time and AK at this moment cannot confirm or deny the same."

Korir said they can only discuss other doping matters in general terms. "It should be public knowledge that AK's functions are to educate, advice and guide the athletes on doping matters," said Korir adding that investigations, prosecutions and any other procedures falls under Wada, Adak and the Government.

"AK has no mandate whatsoever to test or get samples from athletes."

Rumours have been rife that a prominent from Kenya had tested positive for blood booster Erythropoietin (EPO).

If true then the case will be a major blow to the country and athletics in general, coming a year after Kenya's Olympic marathon champion Jemimah Sumgong failed another dope test.

Sumgong failed to defend her London Marathon title last year over the scandal after she failed an out of competition test late 2016.