Kenyans informed of Lagat's positive test

Kenyan track authorities discovered Olympic medalist Bernard Lagat tested positive for a banned substance four days after the start of the World Championships.

Lagat tested positive for erythropoietin, or EPO, a drug that enhances stamina by increasing oxygen-carrying red blood cells. He was in Paris for the 1500 meters, but did not compete. His absence from the event was attributed to illness.

David Okeyo, secretary general of Athletics Kenya, said that while in Paris on August 27 he received a letter from the International Association of Athletics Federations about the positive test.

The 1500 finals were held the same day Athletics Kenya were notified about Lagat, who won a bronze medal at the Sydney Olympics.

Okoya said he told Lagat what had happened and that he would not be able to take part in the championships and would have to move out of the athletes' village.

"We decided to sit on the story because we felt by informing the media, that would demoralize the (Kenyan) team," Okeyo said.

He added the federation had planned to make the information public after discussing the matter. He said Athletics Kenya members would meet Thursday.

"We are really concerned about the increasing number of Kenyan athletes being caught cheating," he said. "We will soon form a committee, and the athletes must be honest to tell us who is administering them the drugs."