Jeptoo’s positive sample ‘A’ dope tests dominate international press

Rita Jeptoo celebrates after winning of the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 12, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. [PHOTO:AP]

Just a day ahead of today’s TSC New York City Marathon, Rita Jeptoo’s positive sample A dope tests dominated the world press.

In Eldoret town, the athletics nerve centre, Jeptoo’s doping story was the talk of the town even as the world’s leading newspapers focused much on it rather than the 42km run in the Big Apple set for this evening.

The New York Times reported that a cloud was cast over the great tradition of Kenyan distance running on Friday when Rita Jeptoo, winner of the Boston and Chicago marathons for the past two years, tested positive for a banned substance. 

Reuters reported that a doping scandal threatened to overshadow Geoffrey Mutai’s run at a New York City Marathon hat-trick and Wilson Kipsang’s bid for an eye-popping bonus after their compatriot Jeptoo failed a drugs test.

The two Kenyans are among the headliners for today’s race but were suddenly sharing the spotlight with Jeptoo on Friday after Athletics Kenya said she failed a doping test.

Jeptoo, 33, who has won Boston three times and Chicago twice, is by far the most prominent Kenyan runner to have failed a doping test.

She had a positive test on an A sample for an unnamed banned substance, according to the World Marathon Majors, which represents the world’s six most prominent marathons.

But under antidoping rules, a second sample of the same test must come back positive for her to be found guilty of a doping violation by the International Association of Athletics Federations, track and field’s international governing body.

She trains under Italy’s track and field agent Federico Rosa. Mathew Kisorio, who completed his two-year ban last July, was also in the Italian’s stable when he failed the test.

Noah Busienei, who separated with Jeptoo after their marriage, said the incident was regrettable. He said some people “who are foreigners are to blame for her woes.”

In a letter to Jeptoo sent through Rioba Omboto and Company Advocates after they broke ranks, Busienei said he warned her of the consequences of engaging in illegal activities which amounts to doping activities.

“I had warned her but the same people misadvised her,” Busienei said.

Dr Kipchoge Keino, the National Olympic Committee chair said if the tests  are confirmed then all blame falls squarely on the agents.

“If the B tests turns positive, then her management team (agent). I believe they misled her,” Dr Keino said.

More than 30 athletes have tested positive for banned substances in recent years, an Anti-Doping Task Force Report.

Pharmacies, clinics and athletes’ representatives have assisted in the procurement of prohibited drugs, it said. The blood-boosting drug EPO, which enhances oxygen-carrying capacity, was one substance mentioned in the report.

Officials with the World Anti-Doping Agency, who expressed frustration with efforts in Kenya, recently met with local officials about the country’s efforts to combat the use of prohibited substances.

After tonight’s New York City Marathon, Jeptoo was to receive a cheque for $500,000 for winning the World Marathon Majors, a prize for the top male and female runners for performances at races in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York in a two-year cycle. That has been postponed.