Tokyo Olympics: Kenyan sprinter fails doping test, suspended from games

Kenyan Sprinter Mark Otieno Odhiambo will not participate in the ongoing Tokyo Olympic Games after failing a doping test on Saturday, Team Kenya has confirmed.

"I hereby confirm that we have received communication this afternoon from International Testing Agency (ITA) regarding one of our sprinters who has had an Adverse analytical finding on a urine sample he provided on 28 July 2021. The sprinter had been residing in Kurume City for the Team Kenya Pre-Games Training Camp from 15th July 2021 until 24th July when he moved into the Olympic Village in Tokyo.

"He remains provisionally suspended from participating in his event today. The sprinter is fully aware of this communication and is in receipt of the letter from ITA. He has however denied any knowledge of the violation and has subsequently requested a re-analysis of his B urine sample," said Team Kenya's Chef de Mission Waithaka Kioni.

"Our understanding is that this athlete is treated as innocent until we receive the results of his Sample B urine analysis. NOC Kenya and the Management of Team Kenya does not condone doping and will continue to partner with Adak in the continuous provision of anti-doping education to all our athletes."

Otieno was set to take part in the 100 meters heats later Saturday alongside compatriot Ferdinand Omanyala.

His suspension comes hours after Nigerian Blessing Okagbare was provisionally suspended after testing positive for human growth substances.

Okagbare will miss the women's 100 meters semi-finals slated for Saturday .