Olympic champion Asbel Kiprop tests positive for banned substance, vows to clear name
Former Olympic 1500 metres champion Asbel Kiprop vowed Wednesday to clear his name after reports he has tested positive for the endurance-boosting drug EPO.
Kenyan media reported a high-profile athlete had failed a doping test, without naming Kiprop.
British newspaper the Guardian quoted Kiprop as saying: “As an athlete, I have been at the forefront of the fight against doping in Kenya, a fight I strongly believe in and support.
“I would not want to ruin all what I have worked for since my first international race in 2007. I hope I can prove that I am a clean athlete in every way possible.”
Kiprop’s agent, Frederico Rosa, told the Guardian he had also heard the rumours but had no further information.
The sample is believed to have come from an out-of-competition test taken late in 2017.
On social media, fans shared their shock at the news with Hajo Seppelt, the German journalist famed for blowing the whitsle on doping in Kenya, leading from the front.
Kenya’s never-ending story – almost always the best ones: Now 1500m Oly and world champion Asbel Kiprop allegedly tested positive. KEN officials+athletes denied doping culture for yrs…It looks like: more and better tests = more positives https://t.co/bOq4R5EXHN via @MailOnline
— Hajo Seppelt (@hajoseppelt) May 2, 2018
You all surprised by Asbel Kiprop? Nope. There’s virtually no testing in Kenya. It’s a total farce, he’s one of the “greatest ever” and he’s juiced up on EPO.. go get all the others now please.
— Guy Learmonth (@GuyLearmonth) May 2, 2018
Sad how our Athletes kill their careers at a tender age. Is it because of money and fame? ASBEL KIPROP, you have let Kenya down. Terrible.
— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) May 3, 2018
This is a major blow… Former Olympic and world 1500m champion Asbel Kiprop tests positive for banned substance ? #TheScoreKE
— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) May 3, 2018
I wonder how Rosa Associati Athletes Management will get out of the mess, If/When Asbel Kiprop's failed drug test is confirmed
— lynne wachira (@WachiraLynne) May 2, 2018