Doping in sports is the use of prohibited drugs, substances, or methods by athletes to gain an unfair advantage. 

This includes performance-enhancing drugs and illegal techniques, all banned by organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). 

Athletes caught doping can face suspensions, fines, disqualification, or lifetime bans. Common methods include anabolic steroids, Erythropoietin (EPO), and blood doping. Simply put, doping is cheating.

Athletics, celebrated for speed and endurance, is facing increasing doping concerns worldwide. 

Anti-doping agencies warn that banned substance use threatens fair competition and undermines public trust. 

In recent years, several athletes have been sanctioned: Benard Kibet Koech was banned for four years (2025–2029) due to abnormalities in his biological passport (ABP), Albert Korir was provisionally suspended in 2026, and Joyline Chepngeno faced a ban after testing positive at the 2025 Sierre-Zinal race. 

Others, like Daniel Kinyanjui, Hillary Chepkwony, and Wiseman Were, have also faced sanctions.

While most athletes compete cleanly, some continue to seek illegal advantages. Agencies like WADA, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) and ADAK conduct strict testing to protect the sport’s integrity. 

Experts note that pressure to perform, financial gain, and international recognition often drive doping, but strong penalties and awareness programs are critical deterrents.

Countries producing elite athletes, including Kenya, are educating young athletes on doping dangers. 

Analysts warn that public trust in athletics could decline if doping persists, urging stronger cooperation between governments, federations, and anti-doping bodies to keep the sport clean and fair.

Written by Fabian Kibet, TV47 Correspondent.