Mark Otieno discloses huge challenge he faced during doping ban

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ATHLETICS: Mark Otieno discloses huge challenge he faced during doping ban

Abigael Wafula 10:30 - 04.08.2023

Otieno faithfully served his two-year ban and was eligible for the competition from Tuesday, August 1.

Moments before stepping on the track for the 100m heats at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, sprinter Mike Otieno tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid methasterone and was suspended.

Otieno faithfully served his two-year ban and was eligible for the competition from Tuesday, August 1. Otieno did not give up on his dream and immediately bounced back to training, something many athletes fail to keep up with after a doping ban.

However, his journey during the time he was serving the ban was not a walk in the park and he has recounted facing tons of financial challenges.

The ban period was a huge setback but I accepted the results and it has brought something good out of me. It was difficult to see my career being put on pause. It has been difficult especially financially.

All the processes have taken a huge toll on my financial upkeep since I had to prove my case and it took a lot of money and also paying my legal fee. During this process I’ll say my finances were greatly impacted,” he told KTN Sport.

He noted that his mental health was not hugely affected, thanks to his great support system. He added that the ban period pushed him to think of what the future he holds. At the moment, he is eyeing a Team Kenya slot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Mentally, I’ll say that I’ve been okay. It made me realise that I have to think of the future…at the moment I’m better and I’m looking forward to Paris 2024,” he said.