In March 2023 the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Stephen Kipchirchir Kiplagat after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substances Androsterone and Etiocholanolone.
Following notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and was heard for the Kenya Sports Disputes Tribunal.
The Athlete denied the intentional use of the substances and explained at the material time he had some setbacks in his life and medical problems. He stated that as treatment for his medical condition a medication had been administered at a pharmacy.
The Panel finds that the presence of the prohibited substances had been established in the Athlete's sample and accordingly that he committed an anti-doping rule violation.
The Panel deems that the Athlete failed to demonstrate that the violation was not intentional, nor how the substances had entered his system. He did not produce any corroborating evidence in support of his allegations, neither that he acted with No Significant Fault or Negligence.
Therefore the Kenya Sports Disputes Tribunal decides on 18 April 2024 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 17 April 2023.
