Kenya’s Rhonex Kipruto, world record holder in 10 km race suspended for doping

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Kenya's world record holder in the 10-kilometer road race became the latest athlete on Wednesday to be suspended for doping.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), an independent body responsible for safeguarding the integrity of athletics, said in a statement that it "has provisionally suspended Rhonex Kipruto (Kenya) for the use of a Prohibited Substance."

The suspension puts a cloud of uncertainty over the athletic achievements of the renowned runner, who has been celebrated for his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

Kipruto, 23, accomplishments include winning bronze in the 10,000-meter race at the 2019 World Athletics Championships and clinching the title of the 10,000-meter World Under-20 champion in 2018.

Kipruto's most notable feat is setting the world record in the 10-kilometer road race in a time of 26:24 in 2020 in Valencia, Spain.

"I don't cheat or dope! The truth is on my side," Kipruto said in a statement.

His manager, Davor Savija, said: "Despite the fact that we must accept the ‘presumption of guilt', per anti-doping rules in place – we struggle to accept seeing athletes treated like criminals."

Kenya is a powerhouse in athletics with a rich history of producing world-class runners who have consistently dominated long-distance races.

But the country's success has been marred by a persistent issue of doping violations. Multiple Kenyan athletes have been suspended in recent years for violations.

In response to the challenges, Kenya established the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) in 2016, aiming to enforce the World Anti-Doping Code and promote a clean sport.