Doping Suspension Halts Paris Olympics Dream for 31-Year-Old Marathon Star

Three months into the new year, the world is preparing itself to behold breathtaking moments at the Paris Olympics 2024. But before that, several alterations in technicalities or scoring systems can show up. But one thing that will forever remain unpardonable is the breaching of Anti-Doping rules. For this, several top names witnessed their dreams crash in front of their eyes. But is another staunch track star walking the same steps?

Nobert Kigen, the 31-year-old middle-distance runner and marathoner from Kenya, has earned fame after winning the men’s title at the Prague International Marathon. Also having made an appearance at the C&D XiaMen Marathon, Xiamen in January this year, the marathoner faced the hardest blow of his career.

Kenyan sprinter Kigen goes into suspension ahead of the Paris Olympics

Athletics Integrity Unit’s X post reads, “The AIU has provisionally suspended Nobert Kigen (Kenya) for the Presence/Use of Prohibited Substance (Testosterone)”. Having been handed over with the Notice of Allegation, Kigen could see a falter in his growing athletic career. The World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules or the Integrity Code of Conduct has conducted a hearing, and the decision says that the Kenyan track star will be out of competitions or any athletic activities temporarily as a Provisional Suspension.

If an unpropitious analytical finding for any non-specified substance on the Prohibited List passes off, Provisional Suspension under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules is a mandate. The budding star who most probably set his sights on the Paris Olympics titles diffused his dreams in this crucial year. But we can’t skip out on the stellar strides he made on the Prague stage in 2022.

Marathon title attainment ignited hopes

The celebrated Adidas athlete unfurled his victory flag at the 2022 Volkswagen Prague Marathon. Clocking in at 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 54 seconds, Kigen outpaced his Ethiopian counterparts to nab the men’s title. Beside him stood Bekelech Borecha of Ethiopia with the women’s crown. Fresh off the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marathon was the third successful edition featuring 10,000 competitors.

Since 2018, Kigen has not been very active in the sporting realm. His attempt to make a mark at the 2019 Tokyo Marathon went in water as he failed to finish the race. Joining him is Agnes Mueni Mutua, who has also been suspended for a similar reason. Now as both of them wait for their verdict, others will vie for Olympic titles.

READ MORE: Broken Ankle Lands Margot Chevrier on a Stretcher; Fans Express Disappointment: ”How Awful”