The World Athletics Championships 2025 is set to take place between 13th and 21st September this year in Tokyo, Japan. Athletes around the world are preparing to showcase their endurance, skills and technique in the 20th edition of the Championships.
The annual event attracts the best men and women in track and field from every corner of the globe, looking to breach records and break barriers.
In the run up to the World Athletics Championships, Athletics Kenya (AK) has issued strict guidelines for its athletes who would be taking part at the Championship. A total of 444 athletes from the African country have been selected as probables for this year’s edition, as per the Athletes Integrity Unit (AIU) requirements.
Addressing the media today, AK President Lt. Gen (RTD) Jackson Tuwei, said all athletes must comply with the mandatory testing requirements to ensure their eligibility for selection in Team Kenya for Tokyo.
He added that the athletes are required to undertake at least three no-notice out-of-competition tests prior to the World Athletics Championships which must be conducted within a period of 10 months, between October 29th last year and 29th August this year, and must complete the first test by the 24th of next month.
Here’re the Kenya Athletics rules that athletes must abide by for World Athletics Championships 2025:
- According to Article 15.5.1-3 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Regulations, athletes must undergo at least three no-notice out-of-competition tests before the championships.
- To ensure compliance, athletes must also attend anti-doping education programs organized by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), or Athletics Kenya, and they must provide accurate whereabouts information.
- Athletes are required to keep their whereabouts information up to date at all times. Those with ADAMS accounts must submit their whereabouts details through the system and check regularly for updates.
- Athletes without ADAMS accounts can request one or use the provided Google Forms link to submit their location details, ensuring that any changes to their whereabouts are updated immediately.
- Athletes may be tested at any time, both in competition and out of competition. Failure to comply with testing procedures or missing a test will impact their eligibility for selection.
- Additionally, athletes are held to the principle of strict liability, meaning they are responsible for any prohibited substance found in their system. They must carefully check medications and supplements before use to avoid unintentional violations.
- Athletics Kenya will invite athletes to attend anti-doping education seminars and webinars, which they must prioritize attending.
- Whereabouts submissions must be made every quarter for ADAMS users, with deadlines set for the 15th of the month before the new quarter begins. Those using Google Forms must update their information whenever there is a change in location.
- Athletes are also required to complete a minimum of three no-notice out-of-competition tests between October 29, 2024, and August 29, 2025.
- The first test must be conducted by May 24, 2025, and athletes who fail to complete at least one test by this date will be deemed ineligible to compete. The final deadline for all tests is August 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM East Africa Time.
- In addition to these anti-doping requirements, athletes must also meet qualification times and compete in national trials to secure their place in the Kenyan team for the World Championships.
Also Read: 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships: Full List Of Winners
Kenya will have three titles to defend at this year’s World Athletics Championships- Faith Kipyegon in 1,500m and 5,000m from the 2023 Budapest edition, as well as Mary Moraa, who will be keen on retaining her 800m title.
