Sports

Female Kenyan world marathon champion banned for five years over doping

Published

2 years ago

January 28, 2023

A female Kenyan marathon world champion, Betty Wilson Lempus, has been handed a five year ban after she was found to have violated the World Athletics anti-doping rules on two occasions.

Lempus, 31, who came to international limelight after she smashed the Paris Women’s ’s half-marathon record in 2021, was initially placed under observation after she tested positive for the banned metabolite, Triamcinolone Acetonide.

She was to later falsify medical documents to explain the presence of the metabolite in her system, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), said in a report.

As a result, she has been disqualified from the Paris half-marathon and all races since the discovery, the AIU said.

Lempus’ punishment covers two years for the doping violation and four for the attempt to cover it up, but a year was subtracted from the ban owing to her admitting to both offenses.

The AIU, in its report, said Lempus had claimed that she had been injected with Triamcinolone Acetonide at a Kenyan hospital 16 days before the Paris race.

“But in June 2022, the Medical Superintendent from the hospital in question stated that though Lempus had been present that day, she had not received an intramuscular injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide at the hospital on this date,” the anti-doping body said.

“The official also cited other discrepancies, including false hospital documents, including address and phone number, and that the doctor, whom Lempus claimed attended to her, is not employed at the hospital.

“Confronted by the AIU with this evidence in October 2022, Lempus admitted to Tampering.”

“We are pleased to conclude this case, especially because this athlete almost got away with her attempt to dupe the authorities and to cheat other runners out of their rightful rewards,” said AIU Head Brett Clothier.

“This is the right and fair outcome, and it’s a signal to all that the AIU takes its mission extremely seriously and will pursue every angle in seeking to reach the truth,” he added.

The anti-doping agency of Kenya which worked alongside the AIU to conclude the case, said it was happy with the outcome about battles to stamp out doping in the eastern African country’s athletics.

Click to comment

Sports

Kenyan marathon legend Kipchoge advises young athletes to prioritize success over money

Published

19 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, has advised young athletes to place success ahead of quick money and riches.

The former world marathon record holder who gave the admonition in an interview with TelecomAsiaSport, urged upcoming athletes to prioritise their careers and personal values over the lure of fast money

He noted that in light of rising mental health concerns and growing cases of doping in sports, young athletes must to shift their focus from chasing quick financial gains to building lasting careers with integrity and resilience.

Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and celebrated for his record-breaking marathon runs, said since retiring from the sport, he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of sportsmen and women.

“I am trying to talk to the young people because no one has really gone under the skin of athletes,” he said.

‘There is a lot going on under their skins but above all we need to sensitise them that life is not all about money.

“You need to have your own values as a person, and that is what should drive you,” Kipchoge emphasised.

He added that his hopes are to use his influence to guide young athletes in prioritising personal values, mental well-being, and career longevity over the fleeting allure of fame and money.

The marathon great reiterated that he is deeply concerned with the current state of affairs, especially as he sees the tragic impacts of depression and substance abuse on those who struggle to cope.

He made particular reference to the deaths of young athletes who succumbed to the pressures of the industry, citing the tragic death of former world Under-20 champion, Kipyegon Bett, who passed away after battling depression and alcoholism, according to close family members.

He also mentioned the demise o Clement Kemboi, a former All Africa Games steeplechase champion, who was found to have taken his own life at his home in Iten.

“I will still continue talking to them. And if all of us can come together and get our minds together, we can get rid of these things. It is unfortunate that we can lose athletes at such a young age, and it is more unfortunate that we can have young people get into depression and die.”

He attributes much of the current doping crisis to the culture of seeking quick, easy money, rather than focusing on building a reputation of dedication and integrity, adding that he has witnessed how the pressure for financial success can steer young athletes down dangerous paths, often leading to doping as a shortcut to fame and prosperity.

Despite the challenges, Kipchoge said he remains hopeful that a positive shift is possible if athletes receive the right mentorship and guidance early in their careers.

“There is a need for athletes to understand that a fulfilling life extends beyond medals and money. The fame and fortune are secondary to the peace and pride of knowing you did it the right way,” he concluded.

Sports

South Africa’s FA president Danny Jordaan arrested on fraud, theft allegations

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The President of South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, has been arrested on allegations of fraud and theft.

Jordaan, who was pivotal to the country hosting the first-ever FIFA World Cup tournament in Africa in 2010, is being accused of using about R1.3 million ($72,372) of SAFA funds to hire a PR firm and a private security company for his personal benefit.

His arrest follows a raid carried out by the country’s Special Investigating Unit (SPU) at the offices of SAFA in March where it was alleged that an assortment of electronic gadgets and files were seized for further investigation, thus leading to the arrest.

SA Police spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, who confirmed Jordaan’s arrest, told journalists that he was
arrested along with one other official and a businessman and are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday.