Kenyan marathon star Wanjiru suspended

Daniel Wanjiru, one of Kenya’s top marathon runners, has been provisionally suspended for an anti-doping violation.

Wanjiru’s sanction was announced on Twitter by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), who confirmed he had been charged for “use of a prohibited substance/method”.

In response to the allegation, the athlete released a statement through his management company, Voltare Sports.

It reads “This statement comes from the heart. I am clean in the sports I do. The ABP [Athlete Biological Passport] finding is confusing and frustrating me.

“I am already seen as a sinner of doping, but I am not. It’s very painful what’s happening to me now.

“I stand for clean sports. My results of the past came through hard work only. I have never used doping. We are currently investigating the case. Knowing I have never used anything, I have faith everything will be all right”.

Wanjiru, 27, now cannot compete in any profession competition until he has been through the hearing process.

He burst onto the international stage in 2016, winning the Amsterdam marathon, before going on to win in London the following year.

Photo: Reuters Staff/Reuters