Photo Credit: Reuters
In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through the athletics community, Kenyan runner Rhonex Kipruto, known for his exceptional performance in the 10km road race, has been handed a six-year ban from the sport. The ban comes after a thorough investigation into irregularities found in his Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), which suggested blood manipulation through the use of prohibited substances.
Kipruto, who set the world record in Valencia in 2020 and clinched the 10,000m bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships, will now be stripped of these accolades. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) enforced the ban, stating that there was no other plausible explanation for the abnormal values detected in his ABP other than doping.
The ABP serves as an electronic record, tracking an athlete’s biomarkers over time. Dramatic changes in these markers can raise red flags, indicating potential doping. In Kipruto’s case, the Disciplinary Tribunal reviewed 32 blood samples collected between July 2018 and March 2022, alongside his competition schedule and whereabouts. The unanimous conclusion drawn by experts was that doping was highly likely.
Kipruto’s defence, which suggested that the abnormalities could be attributed to natural body characteristics, medical conditions, and health issues, was rejected by the Tribunal. They were “comfortably satisfied” that an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) had occurred.
This decision underscores the rigorous anti-doping measures in place to ensure fair play in sports. The AIU’s findings highlight the importance of maintaining integrity within athletics and the severe consequences that follow any breach of doping regulations. The ban, effective until May 2029, serves as a stern reminder to athletes worldwide about the repercussions of attempting to gain an unfair advantage.
Kipruto has the option to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. However, the case remains a stark example of the ongoing battle against doping and the commitment of regulatory bodies to uphold the spirit of competition. The athletics world awaits the outcome of any appeal, which will further shape the discourse on doping in sports.
