Kenyan Athletes Fail Drug Test at Beijing

Two Kenyan athletes have been suspended after failing pre-competition drug test at the 15th International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Athletics Championships.

Joyce Zakary and Koki Manunga tested positive for the use of banned substances at the ongoing World Championships in Beijing, China.

The track and Field events governing body said that the two were tested for doping at the athletes' hotel right before the competition started.

It is said that they have accepted the provisional suspensions but Athletics Kenya's Chief Executive Officer Isaac Mwangi would not confirm nor deny the test.

Zakary broke her own national record of 51.14 seconds in the 400m race by posting a new record of 50.71 seconds in her first heat. The 29-year old was anticipated to reach the Women's 400m finals but she conspicuously skipped the Tuesday semi-finals even though she had qualified.

On the other hand Manunga finished distant seventh in 58.96 seconds the second slowest time in the 400m hurdles.

This comes after the Kenya Athletics officials recently denied allegations of doping over the last 15 years. According to Athletics Kenya, more than 30 athletes have been accused of doping.

Earlier this year Rita Jeptoo was banned for two years after testing positive for EPO a blood boosting hormone.

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