Doping: UK Anti-doping sends investigators to Kenya

UK Anti-Doping has sent two investigators to Kenya following allegations of doping at a training camp that is used by British athletes.

An investigation by the Sunday Times and German broadcaster ARD/WRD claims to have uncovered evidence of the use of banned blood-boosting drug EPO at the high altitude training camp in the town of Iten.

They have reported claims from Kenyan doctors that four unnamed British athletes received banned performance-enhancing drugs in the town, used as a winter base by British and other international athletes.

UKAD chief executive Nicole Sapstead said: ‘UK Anti-Doping has reviewed the evidence presented to us by the Sunday Times and it is of grave concern and of significant interest.

“We have opened an investigation and are taking the necessary steps to corroborate the evidence and investigate it further.

“Like all investigations we cannot disclose the exact details of what we are doing, as disclosing our tactics may undermine that investigation.

“However, I can confirm this evidence is being treated with the utmost importance and urgency, and two members of UKAD staff are currently in Kenya pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.”

UK Athletics (UKA) said that none of the doctors featured in the allegations were known to it or had treated its athletes.

According to the allegations, two doctors claim to have administered a series of EPO injections to a British athlete shortly before a major race.

An investigation has revealed Kenyan doctors claim British athletes have received banned performance-enhancing drugs in the town of Iten

An investigation has revealed Kenyan doctors claim British athletes have received banned performance-enhancing drugs in the town of Iten

The Sunday Times sent undercover reporters to meet the Kenyan doctors in question.

They claim to have seen medical notes that one of the Kenyan doctors proved he treated a British athlete for an injury.