"Apologize? For what?": Journalist unapologetic for doping-related questions to Ruth Chepng’etich
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 19.10.24. | 07:40
Johnson's question post-race sparked controversy, with many viewing it as an attempt to undermine Chepng’etich’s achievement on the global stage
Lets Run journalist Robert Johnson has remained unapologetic despite irking many Kenyans for asking three-time Chicago Marathon Ruth Chepng’etich tough questions regarding the integrity of her world record-breaking performance.
During a press conference following the race, Johnson confronted Chepng’etich, implying that her performance seemed "too good to be true" and hinting at potential doping suspicions.
However, Chepng’etich remained poised, responding calmly: “I don’t have any idea. People must talk, so I don’t know.”
His question sparked controversy, with many viewing it as an attempt to undermine Chepng’etich’s achievement on the global stage.
Despite the backlash, Johnson has remained unapologetic for his line of questioning. He explained that his intent was not to accuse Chepng’etich of doping but to address the concerns of skeptics.
“Let me re-state what I expressed. We have been very consistent since day one at LetsRun regarding doping. Since the year 2000, we have asked the doping questions that need to be asked (and let the message boarders discuss it as well) whether you are white (Galen Rupp, Salazar, etc), black (Regina Jacobs, Justin Gatlin, etc.), male, female, American or Kenyan,” his statement explained.
Johnson referenced his experience in 2002 when he questioned American middle-distance runner Regina Jacobs about doping allegations and received criticism from legendary coach Alberto Salazar for addressing doping concerns related to Athletics West.
“Also in the same year, when I started coaching at Cornell, a freshman on the team from Oregon came up to me at the first practice and said, "Alberto Salazar does not like you guys." When I asked why, I was told it was because people talked about doping at Athletics West on the message board,” he said.
“Apologize? For what? I didn’t accuse her of doping. I asked her what she would say to those who think her performance is too good to be true and proactively allowed her to get ahead of the cynics,” he continued.
The episode has reignited the debate over how the media should handle doping questions, especially in light of exceptional performances.
Earlier this week, Athletics Kenya (AK) came to the defense of Chepng’etich, releasing a statement that congratulated her on the remarkable accomplishment. AK expressed disappointment over the media’s approach in casting doubt on her triumph, noting that Chepng’etich had repeatedly proven her mastery on the Chicago course, having also won the marathon in 2021 and 2022.
Chepngetich became the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier in the marathon. The self-coached athlete shattered the world record at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, clocking an incredible 2:09:56 and winning the World Athletics Platinum Label Road race.
Her record-breaking run shaved almost two minutes from Tigist Assefa’s previous world record of 2:11:53, set last year in Berlin.
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