Two runners have been suspended from participating in the World Championships in Beijing, following doping concerns.
The two Kenyan runners were today named as Joyce Zakary and Koki Manunga received provisional bans by the IAAF following “targeted” tests at their respective hotels. The reports indicate that the two had tested positive for masking agents. The IAAF said:
“Athletics Kenya (AK) has already met with the IAAF and the athletes involved, and has begun investigating the situation which led to these results. Follow-up action will be taken in Kenya.”
Joyce Zakary, 29, set a new national record in the 400m at 50.71 on Monday but failed to show for the semi-finals on Tuesday. Koki Manunga did not progress from the 400m hurdles heats, finishing sixth with a time of 58.96. The pair will join 13 other Kenyan athletes who are currently serving bans for doping.
The failed tests will bring a sense of bitersweet victory for the Kenyans who have so far set a high standard during in Beijing, standing at the top of the table with 11 medals, including six golds.
