by Alfonz JuckRunBlogRun notes: Rita Jeptoo tested positive in her first sample in early October 2014. I wrote about the test on October 31, 2014, and the doping saga continues today. CAS response, to the delight of many keen observers, shows that the sport can dish out punishments that are commensurate with the offense made. Abbott World Wide Majors, Bank of America Chicago and BAA Boston Marathon have all shown the respect of the situation and quickly responded.
Rita Jeptoo is not the only cheater in the sport. She is, however, the most prominent athlete in Kenya to test positive and the punishments, as a deterent to young athletes, is important for all to see.
Rita Jeptoo, photo by PhotoRun.net
EME News provided up the series of reactions noted below to the CAS decision by Rita Jeptoo.
MARATHON NEWS
LAUSANNE (SUI): Rita Jeptoo’s suspension has been extended by a further two years after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld an appeal to double her initial ban, informs agencies. Jeptoo was suspended for two years after testing positive for EPO in September 2014 but an appeal was filed by the IAAF calling for a lengthier suspension. “According to the applicable rules, the minimum period of ineligibility in this situation is a sanction of two years but can be increased to up to four years in the case of aggravating circumstances,” said the CAS panel chaired by Germany’s Ulrich Haas, who claimed that Jeptoo provided conflicting and contradictory evidence during the hearings. Jeptoo has been officially stripped of her Boston and Chicago Marathon wins in 2014 and remains suspended until October 2018.
ELDORET (KEN): Rita Jeptoo’s partner Noah Busienei has said she is likely to appeal the extension of her suspension, informs the Citizen Digital. “I have not spoken to her or seen anything but I was expecting that because she opted to test her B-sample where they messed something. They had said they would add two years and she was aware of that. There is no other avenue available to appeal the decision and we shall decide the way forward,” he said.
CHICAGO (USA): Following the CAS decision, the Abbott World Marathon Majors has officially named Edna Kiplagat the 2013-14 World Marathon Majors winner. “We can now finally say that justice has been served and that Edna Kiplagat has received the recognition she deserves. We are disappointed that due process took so long but we are delighted that at last we are able to acknowledge Edna Kiplagat,” said World Marathon Majors general manager Tim Hadzima. With Jeptoo’s results annulled, Kiplagat duly wins the jackpot of $500,000. “Every marathon runner dreams of winning this title. It means so much to me and my family,” she said.
CHICAGO (USA): The Chicago Marathon has named Mare Dibaba the winner of the 2014 Chicago Marathon. Dibaba crossed the finish-line in second in 2:25:37 behind the now disqualified Rita Jeptoo. “It’s gratifying to move on and to celebrate the accomplishments of Mare Dibaba. She delivered solid performances on our course, and she deserves our recognition,” said executive race director Carey Pinkowski.
