News

Tokyo Olympics: Sprinter Mark Otieno suspended for doping

Saturday, July 31st, 2021 13:35 | By
Sprinter Mark Otieno suspended for doping. PHOTO: PD

Kenyan sprinter Mark Otieno's dreams of becoming an Olympian are over after testing positive for a banned substance in an out-of-competition test at the Tokyo Olympics Games.

There was an adverse analytical finding on his sample with an anabolic androgenic steroid detected.

Team Kenya Chief de Mission Waithaka Kioni confirmed the development.

“We have received communication from the International Testing Agency regarding on our sprinters who has had an adverse analytical finding on his Urine sample he provided on July 28. For now, he remains provisionally suspended from participating in his event,” Kioni said.

The devastating news came few hours before the men's 100m which had been scheduled for 1:45 pm Kenyan time on Saturday, July 31.

The sample was taken on Wednesday, July 28 and went into the lab the following day. According to the testing agency, Otieno is said to have taken diclofenac, food supplements and a cramps blocker.

“The sprinter is aware of this communication and is in receipt of a letter from the ITA. He has since denied any knowledge of the violation and requested a re-analysis of his B sample. For now, he remains innocent until we receive the results of the B sample,” further added the Chief de Mission.

More on Sports


ADVERTISEMENT

RECOMMENDED STORIES Sports


ADVERTISEMENT