Rita Jeptoo leaves Athletics Kenya Offices on November 4, 2014 after meeting Athletics Kenya anti-doping commission at Riadha House. PHOTO
Boston and Chicago Marathons champion Rita Jeptoo, who failed a dope test last week, wants her “B” sample tested to clear her name.
However, the distraught athlete whose “A” sample tested positive for blood-boosting drug Erythropoietin (EPO) said... “Nothing! Nothing! Nothing!” when challenged about her innocence after she emerged from a meeting with Athletic Kenya Medical and Anti-doping Commission on Tuesday at Riadha House.
Jeptoo, who camouflaged her eyes under dark sunglasses, was whisked into a saloon car.
It’s after she left from the meeting at Riadha House that AK chief executive officer Isaac Mwangi released a statement indicating that Jeptoo, had expressed her right to have the analysis of the B sample to ascertain the validly of her failed dope test.
The 33-year-old Jeptoo, who arrived at AK headquarters Riadha House shortly before noon, was formally notified of the adverse analytical findings of her doping test before she provided her written explanation on the findings.
Since the case was at an early stage, Mwangi said that they would like to make it clear that the matter was guided by utmost confidentiality.
“This has been forwarded to the IAAF for further consideration in line with the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) rules,” said the statement, adding that Jeptoo rights are safeguarded by World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) code and the IAAF rules and regulations owing to the nature of her case.
ATHLETE CO-OPERATIVE
“We are happy with our first meeting and the athlete has been cooperative throughout the meeting,” said the statement,” said Mwangi, adding that the meeting was held to establish the facts surrounding the case against Jeptoo.
Mwangi stated that more information will be communicated upon the expiration of the confidentiality period as guided by the IAAF rules.
Clarifying further on the doping shocker that has shattered the credibility of Kenyan marathoners, AK vice president David Okeyo said doping issues are not done within a short time.
“There are rules governing this and that is what we are trying to follow,” Okeyo said. “As you can see we have given a hearing to Rita Jeptoo, who has in turn written. The “B” sample will now be at the IAAF’s disposal where they can call the athlete to inform her of the outcome.”
Okeyo said they were taking the matter seriously because they want to prove to the world that Kenyan athletes do not cheat.
“If Rita Jeptoo’s case is positively supported by any fact or by rules of doping we shall take drastic action,” said Okeyo.
WADA rules stipulates that: “The B sample is tested to confirm the presence of the prohibited substance detected in the A sample. The athlete has the opportunity to be present when the B sample’s tamper-proof glass top is opened and the sample is tested. The athlete, the athlete’s sport national governing body, the USOC, and WADA are all informed of a positive A and B sample.
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