Kenya athletes take first domestic dope tests

NAIROBI (AFP) –

A technician carries out tests on blood samples at an anti-doping laboratory in Chatenay-Malabry, outside Paris, on June 23, 2008. Kenyan athletes were blood-tested for banned drugs for the first time inside the east African nation last month, Athletics Kenya chairman Isaiah Kiplagat said Wednesday.

Kenyan athletes were blood-tested for banned drugs for the first time inside the east African nation last month, Athletics Kenya chairman Isaiah Kiplagat said Wednesday.

A total of 32 athletes took part in the voluntary out-of-competition blood tests under the recommendations of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

“There was no impromptu testing. All the 32 athletes had been notified that they were required to present themselves either in Nairobi or Eldoret to undergo the tests, which were arranged and conducted by the IAAF,” said Kiplagat.

Kenyan athletes have been subjected to blood tests before, but never in their own country.

The tests followed allegations of widespread doping by Kenyan athletes made in a German television documentary last year.

Athletes have denied any drug taking, and Kiplagat said they took part in the tests because they wanted to show they have nothing to hide.

“There was nothing hidden. Every athlete who had been notified was tested voluntarily,” he added.