Asbel Kiprop in Trouble After Reportedly Testing Positive for Blood-Boosting Drug EPO

3-time 1500m world and Olympic Gold medallist Asbel Kiprop reportedly tested positive for performance-enhancing, blood-boosting drug EPO.

According to reports in international press, the sample was taken in an out-of-competition test in late 2017.

However, the Athletics Integrity Unit which handles all doping tests in track and field was unable to confirm the results of any tests as stipulated by the World Anti-Doping Code.

Kiprop has denied the reports, maintaining his committment to proving he is a clean athlete.

“I have read the reports linking me to doping. As an athlete, I have been at the forefront of the fight against doping in Kenya, a fight I strongly believe in and support.

“I would not want to ruin all what I have worked for since my first international race in 2007. I hope I can prove that I am a clean athlete in every way possible,” he wrote in a brief statement issued on Wednesday night.

Kiprop's agent Frederico Rosa told The Guardian that the reports had reached him but he had not yet confirmed them.

“I need to wait when I know the real story," he stated.

Rosa also managed former 3-time Boston Marathon champion Rita Jeptoo who was later caught up in a major doping scandal.

[caption caption="Asbel Kiprop"][/caption]

Prosecutors eventually dropped charges against Rosa where he was accused of abetting her (Jeptoo) doping.

The drug Kiprop is said to have tested positive for is erythropoietin, which boosts the production of red blood cells and encourages oxygen flow in the body.

[caption caption="Frederico Rosa"][/caption]

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