UKAD statement regarding allegations of doping in Kenya
Press Release
UKAD Chief Executive Nicole Sapstead said: “UK Anti-Doping has reviewed the evidence presented to us by the Sunday Times and it is of grave concern and of significant interest. We have opened an investigation and are taking the necessary steps to corroborate the evidence and investigate it further. Like all investigations we cannot disclose the exact details of what we are doing, as disclosing our tactics may undermine that investigation. However, I can confirm that this evidence is being treated with the utmost importance and urgency, and two members of UKAD staff are currently in Kenya pursuing a number of lines of enquiry."
“Testing is important in our fight to protect clean sport but it is not the only tool available to us. In order to run a successful and effective anti-doping programme we must utilise a wide range of tools, including gathering strong and robust intelligence and evidence, retrospective analysis of samples and the ability to test athletes, under our jurisdiction, anywhere in the world, at any time – we not only test sportspeople in the UK, but also when they are competing and training abroad."
“We also have the power to work with international partners, including other National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs), national and international law enforcement agencies and the World Anti-Doping Agency, to gather evidence in order to build cases against those who cheat the system."
“UK Anti-Doping has concerns relating to the practices and the lack of anti-doping infrastructure in a number of countries, and as one of the world’s more developed NADOs, a key part of our work is to collaborate with international partners to support and develop best practice around the globe."
“We recognise that many athletes train overseas for a number of reasons such as, warmer weather or the altitude, and sometimes in countries which do not have the necessary anti-doping systems in place. UKAD has no power to prevent a sport training in other parts of the world and we strongly encourage every sport to carry out a risk assessment when choosing where their athletes train and to report any concerns to us. Whilst ultimately it is an athlete’s responsibility to protect themselves from doping, it is absolutely imperative that national governing bodies of sport ensure that their athletes and coaching staff are safeguarded and are training in safe and clean environments. They must ensure that they are in the best possible environment to compete, and win, clean."
“I would like to thank the Sunday Times for bringing this evidence to us and giving us the opportunity to act upon it. I would encourage anyone who has information to speak to us in confidence via reportdoping.com.”
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