Age-cheating athletes to face same sanctions as doping culprits, AK says
A group of runners takes part a training session on March 13, 2019 in Iten, Kenya. The mental health struggles of Kenyan athletes and a lack of support have come under the spotlight in the East African running powerhouse following a spate of deaths in the past few weeks. The country is home to some of the world's top long-distance runners, but the athletics community has struggled with deadly domestic violence and entrenched doping. Internationally, sports bodies have come to recognise the huge impact of mental health following gymnast Simone Biles and tennis player Naomi Osaka's public discussion of their own struggles. While venerated globally, Kenyan athletes face intense pressure to succeed and financially provide for their immediate and extended families, further adding to their mental strain. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
Athletics Kenya (AK) has
issued a stern warning to athletes involved in age fraud, affirming that those
found guilty will face sanctions from World Athletics.
The crackdown comes just
weeks ahead of the national cross-country championship, scheduled for February
8, 2025, at the Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin Gishu County after it was moved from
Prisons Training College in Ruiru.
This prestigious event will
bring together participants from all 16 AK regions.
Barnaba Korir, AK Director
of Youth Development, revealed that World Athletics has flagged 30 Kenyan
athletes for age cheating. These cases are currently under investigation by
Athletics Kenya.
“There are instances where
some athletes might have provided inconsistent dates of birth. World Athletics
has tasked us with verifying the actual ages of these athletes, some cases
going back as far as eight years. This issue even affects some of our top
athletes,” noted Korir.
“We’re in a precarious
position, and the President of Athletics Kenya has mandated us to conduct
thorough investigations and submit a report by January 15, 2025, so that the
findings can be shared with World Athletics.”
Korir clarified that
athletes found guilty of age fraud will face penalties similar to those for
doping violations. Sanctions will include the nullification of results achieved
during the period in question.
“If we suspect foul play, AK
will delve deeper to ascertain the facts. If evidence emerges that an
individual tampered with their age, appropriate action will be taken based on
the severity of the offense,” he stated.
Athletics Kenya is also
working closely with security agencies to identify and prosecute individuals
who assist athletes in falsifying birth registration documents. The federation
has expressed its determination to eradicate this unethical behaviour to
maintain the credibility of Kenyan athletics.
“Other countries need to
trust our systems. It’s about ensuring fairness in competition—kids should
compete against kids, not adults. It’s better to lose without winning a medal
than to win dishonestly,” emphasized AK.
Athletics Kenya’s renewed
commitment to integrity highlights its resolve to uphold fairness and
transparency, ensuring a level playing field for all athletes.
The upcoming report is expected to serve as a decisive step in restoring confidence in the nation’s athletics systems.
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