Athletics Kenya has targeted junior athletes as they seek to take the anti-doping war to the next level.
With 23 athletes who have either been banned or suspended this year, the federation has taken the anti-doping education to junior runners in a bid to equip them with anti-doping rules before transitioning.
The meeting brought together the world under-20 athletes from the North Rift region on Monday in Kitale, Trans Nzoia county,
The federation in conjunction with Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) officials asked the young runners to be weary of banned substances in their elite running.
The programme, which targets over 400 young athletes across the country, kicked off in Kitale and will move to Eldoret on Tuesday.
Among the topics being taught include age and competition manipulation, illegal betting, transfer of allegiance, bribery and corruption, and sexual abuse and harassment.
While opening the workshop, AK Youth Committee chairman Barnabas Korir warned the juniors to run clean and make sure they provide full information about their running career.
“As a federation, we are concerned about junior runners in this country and that is why we have made an effort to come and talk to you about this issue. The country has invested a lot in juniors and as you prepare for the transition, you need to understand that doping is bad,” said Korir.
He said the federation is always ready to support them to ensure they succeed in their career.
“We are here to support all of you to succeed in the future. The life of an athlete starts now and you are the future. And for you to succeed, you need to be disciplined and hardworking while avoiding all the negative energy in your career,” he said.
Emmanuel Wafula, the world under-20 3,000m steeplechase finalist, in Cali, Colombia, said the seminar will equip them with knowledge as they prepare to transition to the senior cadre.
“This is a good seminar for some of us, who want to emulate top athletes across the world. It has been a good journey in my career and I want to grow well in the sport and eventually graduate to the senior ranks,” said Wafula, who finished sixth at the World Under 20 Championships in Cali, Colombia.
Junior coach Robert Ngisirei said for the juniors to enjoy the fruits of their running career, they need to get such education to guide them.
“This is a good start for these athletes who are basically the country's future. This is the time to show them direction lest they lose it," he added.
