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Analysis of Bernard Lagat B Sample Returns Negative Result
The IAAF reports that the analysis of the B sample of Kenyan middle distance runner Bernard Lagat has failed to confirm the initial result of the anti-doping test conducted in Tubingen, Germany on 8 August 2003, where the analysis of the A sample returned an adverse finding for Erythropoietin (EPO).
The analysis of the B sample did not corroborate the original result. Consequently
Lagat is able to compete. Lagat states that he is "extremely happy that
I have been proven innocent of drug taking" and "hope this outcome will also remove any suggestion that I have ever
taken drugs. I have always, and will continue to do so, unreservedly condemn drug use in sport."
The false positive A sample
resulted in Lagat losing the opportunity to compete for a medal at the
World Championships in August. He calls for the International Association of Athletics Federation and the World Anti-Doping Agency
(WADA) to suspend this type of testing for EPO (Erythropoietin) because he
believes that there are serious flaws with the way the testing is currently being
undertaken and to further prevent another innocent athlete having to
endure what he has gone through.
Lagat remains a strong supporter of a comprehensive drug testing policy in
athletics in order to identify and punish the few athletes that have been tempted to cheat. However,
he argues that such a policy needs to be based on fairness, transparency and accuracy.
Lagat claims he has suffered economically from not being able to pursue
his profession and remains concerned over the way in which this matter entered the public domain.
He will be discussing these issues with his lawyers in the near future.
Lagat is a leading 1500 meter runner with a personal best at that distance of 3:26.34 and
he won that event at the IAAF World Cup in Athletics in Madrid in September 2002.
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