news recently discussed the doping scandal in Kenyan athletics. In the last six weeks, a double-digit number of athletes have been suspended or banned for doping. The news has not gone unnoticed among top Norwegian runners, but Gjert Ingebrigtsen’s student Narve Gilje Nordås is not surprised by the high numbers. – It’s a different culture there. It is simply a doping culture, he reports bluntly. news met him and other athletics profiles during the traditional street race Hytteplanmila. – First of all, it’s sad, but I’m not surprised, says Nordås about the situation in Kenya. CRITICAL: Narve Gilje Nordås is frustrated by the idea that he is competing against dishonest athletes. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB Federation: Will train the athletes It is the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), in collaboration with the Kenyan Athletics Federation (AK) and the anti-doping authorities in the country (Adak), who have come up with the doping revelations recently. They have worked in a targeted manner based on tips and information against individual athletes in order to direct the spotlight on Kenya’s doping problem. Adak chief Sarah Shibutse will ensure better information to the athletes in the country, who are now advised to only accept medical advice from doctors approved by the athletics association. – We want to work closely with the athletics association, so that we don’t just test athletes, but teach them what substances they must avoid, she tells Standard and calls for more government support in the fight against doping. news has contacted the Kenyan Athletics Federation and Adak for a comment on the statements from the Norwegian athletes, but has so far not received a reply. Kenyan doping avalanche Suspended: October 18: Ibrahim Mukunga Wachira October 18: Keneth Kiprop Renju October 14: Diana Chemtai Kipyokei October 14: Betty Wilson Lempus Convicted of doping: October 20: Marius Kipserem October 11: Mark Kangogo 10 October: Philemon Kacheran Lokedi September 27: Felix Kipchumba Korir September 27: Emmanuel Saina September 21: Lilian Kasait Rengeruk September 9: Vane Nyaboke Nyanamba Magnus Tuv Myhre, who struck with a 7th place in 10,000 meters during the EC -et this summer, believes that several Kenyan athletes are being exploited by coaches and agents. He believes that information is decisive. – I’m guessing there are quite a few naive athletes who are only told to eat this and do this, and then they do it. Afterwards they learn that it was way over the line. They may not be aware of what is and isn’t illegal, he says. NORWEGIAN PROFILE: Magnus Tuv Myhre. Photo: INA FASSBENDER / AFP The association was shocked when the open reports Tuv Myhre is not surprised by the revelations either. The great Norwegian talent Abdullahi Dahir Rabi does not like the latest developments in Kenya. – It’s just sad, and it’s very unfair that you compete against dope people when you’re a pure athlete. It will never be fair, but you just have to try to do your best, says the 19-year-old. Several of the Kenyans suspected of doping have done well in street races. There has traditionally been less testing here, although large sums of money are awarded to the winners. Gilje Nordås reacts strongly to the economic and sporting consequences of the dopers’ actions for the competitors. – It is a crime. Imagine if you are the last person who does not progress to a WC final. It could be several hundred thousand kroner. It is, after all, a major financial crime. It is consuming, says Gilje Nordås, who does not want to have to meet dopers at the starting line. – Most of them are honest, but the fact that there are so many dishonest people is hard to think about. You just have to train and do the best you can, he says. The doping problem in Kenyan athletics has now gone so far that the association is afraid to hand out prizes for the year’s best athletes. – Every time I open the computer and read the messages, I am shocked, says Kenyan athletics star Susan Kamau about the latest revelations to Capital. – In the past, we have organized galas for athletes and to celebrate their achievements. Now we no longer have anything to celebrate, because in the months after the awards we receive information that they have been banned for doping, she says.
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Nordås believes Kenya has a “doping culture” – the association does not dare to hand out prizes anymore – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
