Kemboi leads anti-doping calls at athletes luncheon

Two-time Olympics and four-time men 3000m steeplechase champion, Ezekiel Kemboi, has urged his fellow athletes to shun the use of performance enhancing drugs as the country seeks to wipe out the 2016 doping specter.

Speaking during a luncheon organized by Lotto Africa held at the Nandi Bears Club, Nandi County on Wednesday where athletes were feted, Kemboi also warned against agents that have little interest of the athletes they represent at heart.

Kemboi who lost his Olympics title in Rio to his heir-apparent Conseslus Kipruto before being disqualified warned that such agents have ill motives and would lure competitors into the use of banned substances and abandon them in the blink of an eye when the repercussion walls start closing in.

“I am very delighted today that the event organisers did this great move by bringing together the athletes who competed at the Olympic Games. Mostly after the competition no one remembers them until the next international competition,” he stated.

The event organisers said they were keen to appreciate the athletes for “their efforts in bringing glory to Kenya and for posting the best ever performance in our Olympics history”.

Top athletes received tokens of appreciation ahead of the festive season including cash rewards.

Among the athletes present were the year 1968 Olympic steeplechase silver medalist Ben Kogo, Kemboi, Stanley Biwott (marathon), Peris Jepchirchir (marathon), Paralympians Samuel Muchai who won two gold medals and gold medallist Wilson Bii.

Kemboi who first represented Kenya at the 2004 Olympic Games encouraged budding athletes to stay disciplined in order to enjoy longer careers on the track.

Lotto Foundation Chief Operating Officer Peter Ng’eno reiterated they are committed in developing the sport in the country.

-Additional Reporting by Carol Kones.