Kenyan Track Team Permitted to Compete at 2016 Rio Olympic Games
The IAAF announced Friday that Kenya's track and field team will be allowed to compete at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, despite controversy surrounding the nation's drug-testing program.
According to ESPN.com, the ruling was made one day after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) suspended Kenya's drug-testing agency.
Per ESPN.com, WADA compliance review committee chairman Rene Bouchard said Kenya has not been compliant with WADA's regulations, but Kenya sports minister Hassan Wario said actions are being taken to ensure the nation is operating within the rules.
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It was also reported that 18 Kenyan runners are currently suspended for doping violations and 40 of them have served a suspension since 2012.
The IAAF suspended Russia's track and field program in November for similar violations, and while the International Olympic Committee could still ban Kenya from the Summer Games, ESPN.com said that action is unlikely.
Of the 86 Olympic medals Kenya has won in its history, 79 of them have come in the field of athletics. That includes 11 at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
Provided the IOC does not take additional action, Kenya figures to be among the top track and field powers once again in Rio.
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