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What happened to Koki Ikeda? All about Olympic and World Championships medalist's provisional doping suspension
Japan's Olympic silver medalist race walker, Koki Ikeda, has been suspended for suspected blood doping. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) stated that Ikeda's case involves irregularities in his biological passport readings.
The 26-year-old has represented Japan on the biggest stage for several years and won numerous accolades, including a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, a silver medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, and a bronze medal at the 2019 Asian Race Walking Championships. In August, he competed at the Paris Olympics and finished seventh with a time of 1:19:41.
However, it appears things might have gone south for the Hamamatsu-based athlete, as the AIU has charged him after suspicious readings in his biological passport were found. The passport, reportedly, can reveal potential signs of doping even if the athlete has not tested positive for a prohibited substance.
The Athletics Integrity Unit announced Ikeda's suspension on its X handle (formerly Twitter), writing:
"The AIU has provisionally suspended Koki Ikeda (Japan) for Use of a Prohibited Substance/Method (ABP case)."
Clarifying the suspension regulations on its website, AIU stated:
"A Provisional Suspension is when an Athlete or other Person is suspended temporarily from participating in any competition or activity in Athletics prior to a final decision at a hearing conducted under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules or the Integrity Code of Conduct." (via AIU official website)
However, Ikeda's case is still under investigation with further updates expected in the near future.
"I am completely bewildered" - Koki Ikeda's reaction to the provisional doping suspension
In response to the suspension, Koki Ikeda expressed his confusion and concern about not being able to compete in his upcoming race walking competitions and noted that he was unaware of the reasons behind the circumstances that have arisen in his life.
"For reasons that I know absolutely nothing about, I may not be able to compete in my next race and I am completely bewildered. [I will] strive for the truth to come to light and for a fair result. From here on I would be very grateful for your understanding and support." He said in his statement given to Japanese media (as quoted by The Guardian)
In AIU's updated list of athletes who have tested positive for doping, Ikeda's status has been listed as "Notice of Charge Issued."
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