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Elite runners bemoan Jeptoo’s failed doping testing


Two-time IAAF World Champion Edna Kipagat and World 1500m champion Asbel Kiprop have expressed deep regret at last month’s damning revelation of the failed doping test by multiple Boston Marathon winner Rita Jeptoo.

Speaking at the Gems Cambridge International School on Friday, where they launched Kenya’s first ever privately owned standard track, the duo said that they were deeply regretted the turn of events, with Kiplagat saying that she hopes Jeptoo’s Sample B will return a negative result.

“Kenya is renowned for its world beating athletes and we have for a long time been respected for our achievement. Personally, I believe in a clean sport and a clean career so I just hope that there won’t be any more of such cases in future,” Kiprop said.

SAMPLE ‘B’ TEST

Kiplagat said she is yet to come to terms with the unfortunate turn of events.

“We were all surprised and very shocked. I think all athletes should be acutely aware of the substances they are taking, and also be very attentive to their coaches. I hope that Jeptoo’s second sample B comes out negative because that will set a bad precedent for Kenya,” she said.

Jeptoo recently tested positive for the performance enhancing drug EPO in an out-of-competition doing test just when she was about to awarded with a $500,000 cash prize for winning the 2013-2014 World Marathon Majors series.

Her case came in quick succession to that of Mathew Kisorio who also tested positive for the same drug two years ago. Kisorio admitted to using the banned substance and was handed a two year ban which he has since completed.