Rodgers Kwemoi handed six-year ban for doping violations
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 17.05.24. | 17:05
The long ban, according to the Athletics Integrity Unit, is due to the severity and premediated nature of Kwemoi's action
Kenyan long-distance runner Rodgers Kwemoi has been handed a six-year ban from athletics following multiple violations of anti-doping regulations, according to a ruling by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
AIU found Kwemoi guilty of engaging in a sophisticated and prolonged blood doping scheme, significantly influencing his competitive results over several years.
The decision, released today, outlines that Kwemoi's Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) revealed 18 instances of blood doping from July 2016 to September 2022. These violations included the use of prohibited substances or methods intended to enhance his performance during key athletic events, notably in the lead-up to the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The tribunal's findings were based on extensive evidence of abnormal biological markers in Kwemoi's ABP. Despite the athlete's claims attributing these anomalies to natural physiological variations due to environmental factors, the panel of experts dismissed these explanations. They concluded that the abnormalities were consistent with deliberate and sophisticated doping practices.
The panel emphasized the severity and premeditated nature of Kwemoi's actions, which were not only systematic but also required the assistance of experts. The tribunal stated, "Such actions would not have been possible without deliberate intent and the assistance of experts."​​
As a result of the violations, Kwemoi has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved between July 18, 2016, and August 8, 2023. This disqualification includes the forfeiture of medals, titles, ranking points, and any prize money or appearance fees earned during this period. Notably, this impacts his 1st place finish in the 10,000 meters at the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
The six-year ban commenced on the date of the tribunal's decision, with credit given for the period of provisional suspension served since August 8, 2023. The panel highlighted that this stringent penalty reflects the aggravating circumstances of the case, including the repeated and serious nature of the violations​​.
Financial Penalty
In addition to the ban, Kwemoi has been ordered to pay $3,000 towards the Athletics Integrity Unit's (AIU) costs. The tribunal acknowledged Kwemoi's limited financial means, noting his reliance on pro bono legal representation and the financial difficulties mentioned in his defense. However, given the AIU's successful prosecution and the additional costs incurred due to procedural delays attributed to the athlete, the financial penalty was deemed appropriate​​.
The six-year ban is among the more substantial penalties handed down in recent years to Kenyan athletes found guilty of doping.
