Athletics Kenya has issued a final and urgent reminder to all athletes aspiring to represent the country at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. The federation is stressing the necessity of strict compliance with anti-doping regulations, emphasizing that adherence is a non-negotiable requirement for national team selection.
According to anti-doping protocols aligned with World Athletics regulations, all athletes who wish to participate in the national trials must undergo a no-notice out-of-competition anti-doping test by Saturday, 24th May. This step is a critical prerequisite for eligibility and is rooted in the commitment to ensuring fairness, integrity, and transparency in athletics.
In accordance with World Athletics Anti-Doping Rule 15.5.1(c)(ii), every athlete under the jurisdiction of Athletics Kenya must have completed this initial test by the stipulated deadline. Failure to comply will result in automatic disqualification from participating in the national trials, regardless of an athlete’s past performance or ranking.
A joint memo circulated by Athletics Kenya and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) highlights the zero-tolerance approach towards non-compliance. The memo outlines that athletes must remain at their declared locations and be fully available for unannounced testing. Any missed or obstructed test attempts will be treated as a serious violation, carrying significant consequences, including exclusion from national selection.
This final reminder comes at a critical time as preparations intensify for the Athletics Kenya Trials, a decisive event that will determine the final squad representing Kenya at the prestigious global championship in Tokyo. As such, the anti-doping procedures are designed not only to conform with international standards but also to protect the integrity of Team Kenya.
The federation is urging athletes to take personal responsibility for meeting all outlined requirements. Officials stress that this is not just about meeting procedural obligations, but about reinforcing the values of clean sport and fair competition, which are essential pillars of athletics.
Kenya has made significant strides in combating doping in recent years, following increased scrutiny and a series of international warnings. These latest measures are part of broader efforts to restore global confidence in Kenyan athletics and ensure that no athlete gains an unfair advantage through prohibited means.
Athletics Kenya has also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with ADAK to monitor and enforce anti-doping regulations. Teams have been deployed to carry out the no-notice tests efficiently, and all athletes are being encouraged to cooperate fully with the officials conducting the tests.
This initiative underscores the critical importance of compliance not only for the upcoming Tokyo event but also for the long-term reputation and success of Kenyan athletics. Athletes are reminded that even the slightest lapse in compliance could jeopardize their careers and deny them the opportunity to compete on the world stage.
As the deadline approaches, all athletes are advised to ensure they have fulfilled the anti-doping requirements in full. Only those who have complied by Saturday’s cut-off will be considered for selection to represent Kenya in Tokyo, ensuring the team embodies the highest standards of integrity, sportsmanship, and excellence.
