As Kenya prepares to send its top sprinters to the World Relays in Guangzhou, China, officials are ramping up efforts to ensure clean competition beginning with a strong warning about supplement use.
During a refresher course for national team athletes this week, Victor Ashiali from the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) issued a stark reminder about the dangers of self-medicating and consuming over-the-counter supplements without medical oversight.
“You should be careful about the supplements you buy and consume. In fact, it is advisable to stay away from them because of how the market is unregulated,” Ashiali told the group.
With the global spotlight turning to Kenya’s relay teams ahead of the May 10–11 event, ADAK officials emphasized that athletes’ performance must be protected not just on the track but in pharmacies and nutrition shops as well.
Ashiali noted that many doping violations often stem from ignorance, not intention. Over-the-counter drugs or casual prescriptions may contain substances banned by international anti-doping codes, he warned.
“Leave the doctors to do their job. Most of the prohibited substances are part of the common drugs we use daily. That is why you should always declare you are an athlete whenever you go to seek medical attention,” he advised.
The call comes amid increasing global scrutiny of athletes’ conduct and medical practices, especially in countries with historically strong track records like Kenya. With the World Relays also serving as a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the stakes are even higher and so is the pressure.
Officials hope that education sessions like this one will help athletes navigate the thin line between medical treatment and unintentional doping violations. Kenya, known for its dominance in middle- and long-distance events, is working to uphold that reputation through a renewed emphasis on clean sport.
