Kiplagat to take the doping fight to the IAAF

Outgoing Kenyan athletics chief Isaiah Kiplagat plans to make the fight against doping a top priority if elected vice-president of the sport's world governing body the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Kiplagat, who is set to step down from his Kenyan post on May 1 to concentrate on his campaign ahead of the IAAF elections in Beijing in August,said his bid is anchored on his strong belief in cleaning up the sport.

"With the recent doping cases found on Kenyan athletes, I have gained a deeper understanding of the vice and come to terms with the harsh realities of doping," said Kiplagat when he launched his election manifesto in Nairobi on Tuesday.

"Nevertheless, I am optimistic that we will take the right measures of suspending and banning athletes and their agents found with doping cases to address this problem."

The controversial AK boss, whose office was heavily criticised for taking took long to address the problem of  doping, said he would propose a life ban for athletes found guilty of using banned substances.

"If you are banned, you should not represent your country at the world championships or at the Olympics. If you have been caught cheating, you should stay at home forever," he said.

"My priority once in office will be to liaise with the IAAF Council, anti-doping agencies, member federations and agents to come up with policies that will seek to reward the spirit of sportsmanship, while putting in place more stringent measures against the perpetrators of this vice."

Kiplagat also pledges to develop more athletics' grassroot interest among the youth in Africa: "to inspire the next generation of athletes to embrace and actively take up the sport."
Source: AFP