World Athletics v Charles Karanja Kamau

A decision in the case of World Athletics (WA) against Charles Karanja Kamau has been issued by the Disciplinary Tribunal.

On 21 May 2023, during the 2023 Seiko Golden Grand Prix in Yokohama, Japan, Mr Kamau, a Kenyan athlete, specialised in marathon running, provided an In-Competition urine Sample that resulted in an Adverse Analytical Finding. On 29 August 2023, the AIU issued Mr Kamau with a Notice of Charge for committing Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADVRs) for the Possession and Use or Attempted Use of Testosterone and its metabolites, substances on the WADA 2021 Prohibited List (Category 1.1), as Non-Specified Substances prohibited at all times. 

The Disciplinary Tribunal was comprised of Ms Anna Smirnova as the Sole Arbitrator.

The Athlete did not file any written submissions but at the hearing argued verbally that he did not take any Prohibited Substance, that he took supplements that were specified in the Doping Control Form, he filled out when he provided the Sample, on 21 May 2023. He stated that he did not seek any information about the supplements or any guidance or medical recommendation regarding the contents. 

The Disciplinary Tribunal stated that given that the Athlete waived his right to the B Sample analysis, the ADRV was automatically sufficiently proved, and that the AIU had no obligation to prove intent, Fault, Negligence or knowing Use on the Athlete’s part. The Tribunal found itself comfortably satisfied that the Athlete committed the ADRVs. The Tribunal further stated that it was the Athlete’s responsibility to establish his lack of intent for consideration of a reduction of the period of Ineligibility and considered that the Athlete did not establish said lack of intent, as he failed to provide any evidence corroborating his statements of innocence. 

The Disciplinary Tribunal thereby determined that Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) had been established pursuant to Rule 2.1 and 2.2 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules. A period of Ineligibility of four (4) years was imposed. The period of Ineligibility commenced on the date of the decision, 12 February 2024, but credit was given for the period Mr Kamau was provisionally suspended, therefore running from 4 July 2023. Further, Mr Kamau’s results earned at the 2023 Seiko Golden Grand Prix and since 21 May 2023, if any, were disqualified.

Sport Resolutions is the independent secretariat to the World Athletics Disciplinary Tribunal.

A copy of the full decision can be accessed via the related links tab on the right-hand side.