The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has introduced new and stringent requirements for out-of-competition testing in the lead-up to this year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
According to Rule 15 requirements for Category ‘A’ federations, all athletes hoping and planning to compete at the Olympics will be required to undergo at least three out-of-competition tests.
Furthermore, as per Rule 15.5.1 (c), all athletes will be required to undertake their first out-of-competition testing at least 12 weeks before the opening ceremony of the Olympics (July 26th).
This means that the deadline for the first out-of-competition test is May 3, 2024, failure to which the affected athletes will not be eligible to compete at the Olympics.
The deadline for undertaking all three out-of-competition testing is 4th July 2024 after which those who will not have complied with this will not be allowed to participate at the Olympics.
The three no-notice out-of-competition tests will be conducted three weeks apart, under the authority of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and recorded in the Anti-Doping Administration Management System (ADAMS).
Subsequently, Athletics Kenya (AK) chief administrative officer, Susan Kamau has advised all athletes to familiarise themselves with these additional requirements and adhere to them to avoid last-minute disappointments.
The federation will strictly apply this rule and will not include any athlete who does not comply with them in the team to represent the country at the Olympic Games in Paris.
