Kenyan distance runner Rodgers Kwemoi banned six years for blood doping

Rodgers Kwemoi

Rodgers Kwemoi celebrates after finishing second in the men's 10,000 metres during the Kenyan trials for the Tokyo Olympics Games on June 18, 2021, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo| Nation Media Grouip

The Athletics Integrity United (AIU) banned Kenyan distance runner Rodgers Kwemoi for six years, citing 18 instances of suspected blood doping following abnormalities in his athlete biological passport.

Most of the incidents, which spanned from July 2016 through September 2022, occurred ahead of major competitions, according to the AIU, which said Kwemoi "engaged in a deliberate, systematic, and sophisticated doping regime".

Reuters was not immediately able to locate Kwemoi and Athletics Kenya did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kwemoi, whose signature event is the 10,000 metres, took bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and finished fourth at the 2019 World Championships.