Habari Za Wiki- 1st February, 2022
The Running News
Asbel Kiprop Eyes comeback as four-year doping ban ends
Three-time 1500m Champion eyes come back as he is set to attempt to resume competing this February upon completing a four-year doping ban. Asbel Kiprop tested positive for the banned blood-booster Erythropoietin in November 2017 and promises to fight back to competition after completing his ban.
The 32-year-old plans to challenge Athletics Kenya (AK) who’s policy states that athletes who test positive for performance-enhancing drugs will be prohibited from competing for Kenya.
Kiprop argues that he should be considered “innocent” upon completing his ban and promises to fight for the rights of other athletes in the same situation.
Kiprop who attributed his ‘failed test’ to among other reasons that he was on medication that might have contained traces of the banned blood-booster filed several claims that were rejected by the Athletics Integrity Unit.
For now, Kiprop's fate is unknown as is of numerous promising athletes facing doping bans. We can only hope the stars align with his wishes.
Asbel Kiprop in previous race
Image courtesy of Getty Images
Simiu/Jeruto Triumph in Discovery Cross Country Races
Daniel Simiu and Noah Jeruto were crowned champions of the Discovery cross country races this past weekend. Daniel Simiu the reigning Valencia 10km champion said he was using the race to gauge himself as he prepares for the world indoor championships set to happen in France next month.
Simiu clocked 30:14 to take first place as Kelvin Kibiwott (30:35:9) and Edward Cheserek (30:38:1) settled for second place and third place respectively.
In the womens category it was a siblings affair as 3,000m steeplechase champion Noah Jeruto whoe overcame little sister (and former world under 20 2,000m steeplechase silver medalist) Daisy Jepkemei to win the race.
Jeruto and Jepkemei timed 33:29:6 and 34:04:5 respectively and Dorcas Chepchirchir finished third in 32:21:8.
Jeruto said that like Simiu she was using the race to gauge herself as she prepares for other championships.
Noah Jeruto in previous race
Image - REUTERS
Kenya misses out on yet another Great Run Title
Ethiopian athletes dominated the 2021 Total Energies Great Ethiopian Run International 10km road race in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Sunday.
The Great Run still remains a dream for Kenyans after we failed to once again make the podium in the 21st edition of the Race.
In the men’s category, Ethiopia's Gemechu Dida won the race in 27:95 ahead of compatriots Getaneh Mola (27:23:44) and Boki Diriba who finished second and third respectively.
Cornelius Kemboi was the first Kenyan to finish the race crossing the line in the sixth position. Kemboi who was in the Leading pack until 9Km said that having not many Kenyan Athletes in the race was a factor that contributed to him not winning but he was hopeful that One day he will be on the podium.
“If we had more Kenyans in the race, I would have won it, because teamwork is key and that is what Ethiopians used. I was in the leading pack with my compatriot Shadrack Kipngetich, but he dropped out, I was left with five Ethiopians who helped each other, I did not achieve my aim of becoming the first Kenyan to win the race, but I believe I will achieve it one day," the 21-year-old said”.
In the Women's category, Yalemzerf Yehulaw won the race in 30:14:20 ahead of compatriots Girmawit Gebregziabher came in second returning 30:26:95 as Melekenat Wedu settled for third place in 30:41:95.
Non-Kenyan News
Christian Coleman wins on Sprint return after ban
World 100m champion Christian Coleman won his first short sprint appearance on his return after an 18 month ban. Coleman won the race in 6:49 seconds beating world 200m champion Noah Lyles and Trayvon Bromell, fastest man over 100m in 2021.
Bromell finished second in 6:50 as Lyles timed 6:62.