Athletics Kenya blasts: Stop harassing Chepngeitch and respect her achievement!

Athletics Kenya has urged the media and the global community to give Ruth Chepngeitch the respect she deserves following the 30-year-old’s world record breaking performance at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in Chicago, USA on Sunday.

Chepngeitch ran 2:09:56 to set the new mark, a performance some international journalists have queried, especially following the record number of Kenyans that have been caught for doping in the last few years.

LetsRun.com’s Robert Johnson was the first to query the time at the post-race press conference, referencing the number of anti-doping rule violations recorded against Kenyan athletes.

‘Some people may think that the time is too fast and you must be doping. What would you say to them,’ Johnson asked Chepngeitch.

‘You know people must talk but… people must talk so I don’t know,’ Chepngetich replied.

Athletics Kenya feels this line of questioning and others outside the press conference room should never have been allowed.

The governing body for the sport in Kenya took to its X handle to demand for respect for Chepngeitch and query while only the 30-year-old’s record among the many that have been broken this year should be questioned.

‘In any case, many world records were broken this year, and to single her out is utterly unfair. It is therefore disheartening to witness some sections of the media casting unwarranted doubt on her achievements.

‘Such aspersions, made without due process, undermine not only on her efforts but the integrity of the sport. It is important to note that Ruth, like all athletes in major competitions, underwent multiple anti-doping tests, both pre-race and post-race.

‘These are standard procedures in events of this magnitude, and only after all results are verified will her record be officially ratified.

‘Ruth’s achievement, while impressive, is not without precedent. Marathon records have been broken by even wider margins, affirming that her feat is well within the bounds of possibility for an athlete of her caliber.

‘Her consistent performance over the years stands as testament to her dedication and excellence in the sport.

‘We urge the media and the global community to give Ruth the respect she deserves and protect athletes from harassment.

‘Let her celebrate this hard-earned victory and let us acknowledge the years of hard work and discipline that have brought her to this moment.

‘Unfounded doubts and unfair treatment have no place in this proud moment for Kenya and for Ruth,’ wrote Athletics Kenya on its X page.