Kenyan sprinter Mark Otieno has claimed his innocence after a failed dope test that resulted in him being disqualified from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The 28-year-old star tested positive of an anabolic androgenic steroid and was barred from competing in the 100m men’s heat on Saturday.
Team Kenya’s Chief de Mission Waithaka Kioni communicated about the International Testing Agency (ITA) findings following analysis on urine sample that the sprinter provided on 28 July 2021.
“By now the whole world is aware that my name was removed from the start list of the 100m men’s competition due to a positive test for banned substances. We have appealed the result and decision and requested for further tests,” Otieno said in a statement.
“As we honor the due process undergoing, I want to categorically state and be on record that I have never been involved in doping of any kind.
“My integrity as an athlete and an individual is paramount to me, and I hold in great honor the opportunity I have been given to represent my country on this global stage, as I have done many times in the past. As such, I would never engage in any activity that would jeopardise me or my team mates.
“Representing my country in the Olympics is a dream that I have had for many years, and it is truly devastating that this dream, and the trust all my supporters and country have placed in me, has been cut short.
“Representing God is the most important to me, and He has been good to bring me this far. I believe He will take me even farther.
“I remain hopeful of clearing my name and continuing my athletics journey.”
Otieno was one of two Kenyan 100m sprinters at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the positive test is a serious blow to the nation’s plans to make a mark in the race.
His withdrawal left Ferdinand Omanyala as Kenya’s only entrant in the men’s 100m at the Games.
Omanyala made history at the Tokyo Olympics becoming the first Kenyan to qualify for the 100m semi-finals, in a time of 10.01 seconds that equalled his national record.
