Kiprop makes strong claim

FORMER Olympic champion Asbel Kiprop has claimed he was tipped off about a drugs test and alleges doping control officers extorted money from him.

The 28-year-old threetime world champion has reportedly tested positive for the banned blood-boosting agent EPO having had a test in Iten, Kenya.

He denies doping and alleges he was given prior notice of the test, a violation of the rules, and was then asked for money by officials.

He wrote: “I did not at the time expect the request for the money had anything to do with the sample.

“At that time I did not see the money as inducement or bribe for anything.

“I gave it in good faith thinking they may have some need known to them.

“In retrospect, I now clearly see the money as having a relation with the sample collected on that date and even the irregular advance notice I was given.

“I remain perplexed on how my innocent sample could turn positive on the only time when money was extorted from me.

“It is not beyond my suspicion that my sample turned positive because I might have remitted less money than I was expected to remit.”

The Athletics Integrity Unit is aware of Kiprop’s claims.

The middle distance runner won 1500m Olympic gold in 2008 at the age of 19 after Bahrain’s Rashid Ramzi failed a drugs test.

Now 28, he is a threetime world champion in 2011, 2013 and 2015.

When told of the failed drugs test Kiprop said he was “extremely shocked” but was confident it was a mistake and he would be cleared.

He added: “I know it may be impossible to defend myself from any accuser who has made up his mind and who would view my protestations as a mere denial.

“I, however, pray that all will not hasten to make negative assumptions and judgement.”