Asbel Kiprop announces comeback after serving four-year doping ban
Three-time 1500 metres world champion Asbel Kiprop has announced his comeback following the end of his four-year doping ban.
Kiprop was handed the ban after failing a doping test in 2017 although he maintains that he was innocent in the alleged misconduct.
In announcing his return, Kiprop used the hashtag #///BeBack perhaps to signal his readiness and desire to reclaim the world title that has eluded him for a while.
The 30-year-old athlete has won three world championships titles in 2011, 2013 and 2015 in the same event and has reckoned that he is back in full swing to rewrite athletics records.
He was also awarded the 1500m gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics after the original winner, Rashid Ramzi tested positive for doping.
“As I resume my normal training, I wish to thank ADAK who have already contacted me to undergo tests ahead of the meeting. I’m looking forward to proving that I did not use banned substances,” Kiprop posted on his Facebook page.
But even as he starts his training and rebuilding after the ban, the athlete maintains he has no apologies to make since he is innocent.
In a nutshell, Kiprop said he is an advocate of running clean to win medals.
He now wants events surrounding his test which would later result in his ban being investigated; in an exercise he hopes would help protect innocent athletes in future.
“I therefore call on my accusers’ attention in good faith for the success of (play ture) to kindly contact a private investigation of my 27th Nov 2017 alleged sample’s chain of custody. I’m sure an answer that could protect an innocent athlete from such trauma will be found, ,” said Kiprop.
He also thanked his family and his employer the national police service (NPS) for the support they gave him when he was depressed following what he describes as a false doping ban.
“To those who were in doubt, it is regrettable the situation that not only defiled your trust, it equally tainted my career, leaving a scar on my integrity.” he said.
He won his first major title at the 2007 All Africa games, taking the 1500m gold medal and also won the event at the 2010 African championships in Athletics, improving upon a bronze medal performance from 2008 .
He has a personal best time in 1500m of 3.26.69.
