Kenyan sprinter Mark Otieno is determined to make a strong comeback at the Paris Olympics next year after his career was sidelined by a doping suspension.
Otieno’s dreams were dashed when he tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid methasterone, leading to his suspension from the Tokyo Games in 2021, just before he was set to compete in the 100m heats.
Reflecting on his journey, the 30-year-old expressed, “The long absence has undoubtedly affected my performances but I am happy to be back again.” His primary goal now is to secure a spot at the Olympics next year.
As a three-time national 100m champion, Otieno returned to full training earlier this month and recently met with Kenya’s Olympic officials to discuss his aspirations and plans.
With a personal best of 10.05 seconds in the 100m, he faces the challenge of achieving a sub-10 second time by June next year to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Otieno is determined to push himself, regain his competitive edge, and once again proudly represent Kenya on the international stage. He underwent a reduced ban after appealing the initial four-year suspension.
Among his training partners, Ferdinand Omanyala holds the African record for the 100m and is currently the only Kenyan sprinter who has achieved the required qualifying times.
Kenya’s track and field reputation has been marred by doping controversies in recent years, with nearly 70 athletes, primarily distance runners, facing bans for drug-related offences. Even Titus Ekiru, known for being the sixth-fastest marathoner in history, was provisionally banned for doping last month.
Ekiru tested positive for triamcinolone acetonide, a glucocorticoid, after his remarkable win in Milan in May 2021, which recorded an exceptional time of 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 57 seconds. Despite his explanation of legitimate medical treatment, he is potentially facing a 10-year ban after the Athletics Integrity Unit rejected his claims.
