Only Time Athletes Are Allowed to Use Prohibited Substances

Athletes take part in a training session in Iten.
Athletes take part in a training session in Iten.
PHOTO:
Courtesy
Iten International Marathon

Recently Kenyan athletes have been slapped with suspensions and bans following the use of Prohibited Substance.

According to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), athletes can get persimmon to take prohibited medication.

The AIU can issue an athlete with a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), an official medical document giving an athlete permission to take a medication that is ordinarily prohibited, for the treatment of a legitimate condition.

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“ A TUE is issued for a limited period of time, for chronic conditions it must be renewed, following the normal process, and the continued need proven,” the rule by AIU states.

However, the use of TUEs is carefully monitored to avoid abuse or manipulation.

A TUE Committee has to approve a documented medical file accepting a legitimate need to take medication and that no equal alternative is available.

With a TUE, an athlete can take the defined medication while competing without registering for a doping offence.

 A TUE is issued for a limited period of time. For chronic conditions, it must be renewed, following the normal process, and the continued need is proven.

Athletes interested in getting a TUE must submit their applications at least 30 days before any competition, where applicable.

“Retrospective TUEs can be given only in the case of medical emergencies and the treatment of acute medical conditions where there was no time to submit an application prior to the necessary use and subsequent doping control,” part of the rule by AIU notes.

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