Kericho: A World Athletics (WA) coach has cautioned upcoming athletes against age cheating and doping, vices that threaten to taint the credibility of Kenya's athletes on the global stage. In an interview with KNA following a training session with upcoming athletes at Kericho Teachers Training College (KTTC) grounds, WA coach Josphat Kiprono Rotich emphasized the severe consequences that athletes risk when engaging in these acts, which undermine the integrity and credibility of their competitions.
According to Kenya News Agency, Rotich warned that athletes participating in age-inappropriate competitions may gain short-term advantages but ultimately compromise their own credibility and the fairness of the sport. He stressed the importance of competing in age-specific races to maintain integrity and fairness. Rotich, who trains athletes from the national police service, urged upcoming athletes to uphold integrity as they build their running careers.
Rotich advised athletes to use their correct birth certificates, as issued at birth, and to avoid creating false documents. He emphasized that relying on training, hydration, and nutrition is the key to success. He advocated for mandatory sensitization training for athletes and coaches to instill ethical and moral values in the sport, fostering an environment of honesty and integrity for future generations of athletes in the country.
Addressing the issue of doping, Rotich highlighted the responsibility athletes have over what they consume and urged them to respect the rules. He warned of the severe penalties and damage to the country's image when caught using prohibited substances. Rotich advised athletes to be cautious with prescribed medications, recommending that they consult Athletics Kenya (AK) if in doubt about any substances.
Kenya remains on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) compliance watch list since 2016, with nearly 130 Kenyan athletes sanctioned for drug offenses since 2017. In June 2024, Kenya imposed a lifetime ban on marathon runner Beatrice Toroitich and a six-year ban on 10km record holder Rhonex Kipruto for using banned substances.