By Mutai Ricky
ELDORET, -Former Olympic 800 metres
champion Paul Ereng believes ignorance, greed and neglect by officials are to
blame for the increase in doping incidents among his Kenyan compatriots.
"Doping is on the rise because
athletes are gullible and would want to earn so much without working so hard,
while foreign agents want to make a quick buck," Ereng, who won gold at
the 1988 Seoul Olympics said.
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| Our athletic heroes/heroine on their preparation to Olympics |
The east African nation famed for
middle and long distance athletics has come under increasing global scrutiny
following failed doping cases involving its elite athletes, among them
three-time Boston Marathon winner Rita Jeptoo.
Earlier this month, the
International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said that Kenyan and
Russian athletes wishing to compete at the Rio Olympics must be re-tested prior
to the Aug. 5-21 Games.
Last week, the World Anti-Doping
Agency (WADA) approved Kenya's new anti-doping legislation, earlier declared
non-compliant because it was not in line with its code, which the country hopes
will help its athletes avert an Olympic ban.
It's very unfair for our athletes to be banned on accusations of doping which will not only tarnish our name as the home of long distance champions but also destroy the careers of so many of them. Our athletes should not be guided by greed and lust for money but should learn to earn their money and fame through hardwork.
ReplyDeleteour athletes have got talent but then Doping is a vice that has now ruined our reputation worldwide as far as athletics is concerned. the Kenyan government should be firm in dealing with it.
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