Kenya's Olympic champ Kiprop denies doping
Kenya's Olympic 1500 metres champion Asbel Kiprop has denied doping amid allegations of testing positive for blood-boosting drug EPO.
According to media reports, the 28-year-old, a three-time world champion and 2008 Olympic gold medallist, failed a test in late 2017 when a sample was taken out of competition.
"I have read the reports linking me to doping. As an athlete, I have been at the forefront of the fight against doping in Kenya, a fight I strongly believe in and support," he said in a statement.
"I would not want to ruin all what I have worked for since my first international race in 2007. I hope I can prove that I am a clean athlete in every way possible."
Reports say Kiprop has stated there is an error with his sample.
Kenya's Olympic marathon champion Jemima Sumgong was banned in November for four years by the Kenyan Anti-Doping Agency (ADAK) after testing positive for EPO.
She was the latest in a series of Kenyans to be sanctioned for doping offences, including fellow marathon runner Rita Jeptoo. She tested positive in 2014 for EPO and was also banned for four years.
The International Olympic Committee's executive board, meeting in Lausanne, decided on Wednesday to make sure medals reassigned after doping cases be given to new athletes within 12 months and with a ceremony.
