The Betrayal of Kenya's Athletes | Unreported World

Summary

This documentary from Unreported World sheds light on the rampant doping and corruption within the Kenyan athletics scene. Following the story of aspiring national athlete Julius, the film uncovers the struggles athletes face, including severe poverty, lack of support from the governing body Athletics Kenya, and the temptation of performance-enhancing drugs like EPO. Despite their incredible talent and hard work, many athletes are left with little choice but to risk their health and careers due to systemic corruption and poor management in Kenyan athletics, threatening the legacy of a nation renowned for its runners.

Highlights

• Julius, an aspiring athlete, eats only once a day and struggles to afford basic resources. 🍽️
• Despite his potential, Julius races on a full stomach due to disorganized events by Athletics Kenya. 📅
• Doping is rampant, with athletes and doctors engaging in secretive exchanges for performance-enhancing drugs. ⚠️
• The Kenyan government has attempted to combat doping, but skepticism about its effectiveness remains high. 🏛️
• Wesley Korir, a respected runner, highlights the deep corruption in Kenya, affecting fair competition. 🗣️

Key Takeaways

• Kenyan athletes are world-renowned for their running prowess, but face immense challenges due to systemic corruption. 🌍
• Many runners live in poverty, working tirelessly despite limited resources and insufficient nutrition. 🍲
• Performance-enhancing drugs like EPO are shockingly accessible and widespread among athletes. 🚫
• Athletics Kenya, the governing body, is accused of mismanagement and corruption, failing its athletes. ❌
• The dreams of young runners like Julius are often dashed by disorganization and dishonest officials. 🏃‍♂️

Overview

In the heart of Kenya, aspiring athletes train tirelessly amid breathtaking landscapes, chasing dreams of national glory. However, for Julius and many others, the path is fraught with obstacles far beyond the rigors of training. These athletes, including champions, often come from impoverished backgrounds, struggling daily with minimal nutrition and resources. Despite their dedication, the systemic flaws and pressures threaten to overshadow their talent.

Performance-enhancing drugs like EPO are not only a temptation but an increasingly common crutch for athletes seeking a competitive edge. In a secretive world, a network of unscrupulous doctors and lax anti-doping controls facilitate substance abuse, endangering the health and careers of many runners. The documentary vividly captures these dangers, showing how easily athletes can be misled or coerced into doping.

Athletics Kenya, the governing body, faces serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement, further exacerbating the athletes' plight. Promised funds and resources rarely trickle down to those in need, and rampant disorganization means golden opportunities slip away, as seen in Julius's cancelled race. Despite these hurdles, indomitable spirits like Julius continue to persevere, embodying the tenacious hope of Kenyan athletics.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 01:00: Intro and Training In the early hours of the morning, a group of athletes are already deep into their training, having been running since before the break of dawn. Running holds a similar level of cultural significance and passion in Kenya as football does in Brazil, making it a beloved and integral part of life. This place is renowned for producing some of the world's most exceptional runners. The athletes, characterized by their lean physiques, have already completed a 15-kilometer run despite challenging conditions, including the high altitude of over 2,000 meters.
• 01:00 - 03:00: Julius' Struggles The chapter titled 'Julius' Struggles' delves into the world of long-distance running in a region renowned for its champions. The setting is likely at a high altitude, where training conditions are challenging yet rewarding. The narrative introduces us to Julius Terrace, an aspiring athlete with the ambition to join the national team. His commitment to the sport is evident as he endures rigorous training, covering an impressive 200 kilometers each week. The transcript highlights the arduous yet seemingly effortless nature of training at such altitudes and offers a glimpse into the dedication required to achieve excellence in long-distance running.
• 03:00 - 07:00: Doping Issue The chapter titled 'Doping Issue' centers around a long-distance runner named Julius, who is 25 years old. It discusses the potential for long-distance runners to peak in their 30s, with a specific emphasis on Julius's immense potential, as noted by his coach who believes Julius could become one of the best runners in the world. The narrative explores the intrinsic motivation behind running, capturing Julius's personal perspective on why he is passionate about the sport, which ultimately boils down to self-satisfaction and the pursuit of being the best.
• 12:00 - 15:00: Meeting with Ronald Kipchumba The chapter takes place in Kenya and explores the concept of winning as a means to escape poverty. The location is filled with champions, and the narrator encounters David Rudisha, an 800 meters Olympic champion, by the roadside. The conversation touches on his current training and preparation, leaving the narrator in disbelief at the presence of such an accomplished athlete.
• 15:00 - 19:00: Undercover Investigation David Rhodesia is in awe as he meets one of the greatest runners in the world, who happens to be one of his heroes. Filled with excitement, he visits a training camp owned by Julia. The camp allows athletes to stay for free, with the understanding that if they become successful, they will contribute back to the community. Through this interaction, the chapter explores themes of admiration, community, and the cycle of giving back.
• 19:00 - 22:00: Family Tragedy The chapter titled 'Family Tragedy' explores the struggles of an athlete named Julius, who comes from a poor background. Financial constraints lead to difficulties, such as being able to afford only one meal per day, which is insufficient for an athlete's calorie needs. Julius expresses that it feels like the end for him, as he lacks both food and energy.
• 22:00 - 27:00: Meeting with Wesley Korir This chapter discusses the issue of doping among Kenyan athletes, which has been a problem since 2012. Over 40 athletes have been caught doping, mainly during international races. The concerns about competing against athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs are highlighted, with a focus on the personal worries of a character named Julius regarding the fairness of competition.
• 27:00 - 33:00: Julius' Canceled Race The chapter titled 'Julius' Canceled Race' discusses the issue of doping in athletics. A speaker reflects on the temptation of doping, emphasizing the long-term detrimental effects it could have on them personally, such as suffering and significant negative impacts. The speaker decides to stay firm and strong against doping. It also mentions the role of Athletics Kenya, the sports governing body, which is responsible for implementing a doping control program. This reflects on the commitment to maintain integrity in sports amidst challenges.
• 33:00 - 36:00: Conclusion The chapter focuses on Kenya's probation status by the global anti-doping agency due to non-compliance with anti-doping rules. It highlights the lack of sufficient testing after races and a near absence of random tests during training within the country. A particular instance is narrated where a marathon champion, who competes internationally, admits to using performance-enhancing drugs, agreeing to an interview only if his identity remains concealed.
• 36:00 - 42:00: Closing Remarks The chapter titled 'Closing Remarks' includes a discussion on the use of EPO (Erythropoietin) by athletes. The speaker reveals that they started using EPO five years ago. EPO is known to increase red blood cell production, enhancing an athlete's oxygen absorption and endurance, thereby allowing them to run faster and longer. Despite EPO being a banned substance, the speaker justifies its use by citing the need to support their family financially, noting that many others also use it.

The Betrayal of Kenya's Athletes | Unreported World Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 [Music] it's 6:00 a.m. and these guys have been training since before sunrise ran into Kenyans is like football to the Brazilians they absolutely love it over here and I've always seen this as the home to some of the greatest runners the world has ever seen these athletes are super thin they've already run 15 kilometers and conditions are tougher because we're more than 2,000 meters
• 00:30 - 01:00 above sea level they make it seem so easy it's like so effortless but they're moving at a fair lick more long-distance champions have come from here than anywhere in the world Julia's Terrace wants to be one of them he's training to make it into the national team how far do you run in a week to 200 kilometers that's crazy [Laughter]
• 01:00 - 01:30 Julius is 25 long-distance runners often peak in their 30s his coach told me he could be one of the best in the world why why do you guys run what what is it that you love about it so much I ran for me realize that when you run being the best
• 01:30 - 02:00 in Kenya winning is a way out of poverty and this place is teeming with Champions they're everywhere by the roadside I spot the 800 meters Olympic champion David Rhodesia so what you're training for now you getting ready for can't believe it
• 02:00 - 02:30 David Rhodesia I can't believe this incredible I mean it is one of the greatest runners in the world one of my heroes I'm chuffed buzzing next morning and backward Julia set his training camp its owner lets the athletes stay for free if they become successful he hopes they'll give something back so is this way you stay yeah all the
• 02:30 - 03:00 athletes are poor but Julius is one of the poorest to become a runner what what what's the difficult things that you have to deal with so food is the main challenge Julius can only afford to eat once a day that's nowhere near the amount of calories and athlete needs it seems that this is the last time for me 14 good I have no food how light it energy for
• 03:00 - 03:30 change if there is no food since 2012 they've been explosive reports of Kenyan athletes doping over 40 have been caught most in international races dopers are a big concern for Julius do you worry that it will be difficult for you to compete against them to beat them because they're taking drugs yeah for me I worry
• 03:30 - 04:00 have you ever been tempted for me no because the effects are long-term it can affect me a lot and I can suffer I will stay a firm and strong family and see no no no no Athletics Kenya the sports governing body is meant to implement a doping control program but the world
• 04:00 - 04:30 anti-doping agency has put Kenya on probation saying they're non-compliant with global anti-doping rules there isn't enough testing after races and almost no random testing of athletes when they train in Kenya I tracked down a marathon champion who competes internationally he's agreed to speak with me if his face is hidden do you take performance-enhancing drugs yes of course what drugs do you take
• 04:30 - 05:00 people if your EPO yes and when did you start taking EPO uh I started five years ago EPO builds up red blood cell production so an athlete absorbs more oxygen and runs faster for longer EPO is a banned drug why do you take it you know running is a business I'm running support my family and you know most people take when you say most
• 05:00 - 05:30 people take EPO what do you mean who where do you mean demeaning Kenya most people take APA yes most runners most of us most professional runners you than us yes I mean he wants to show me how easy it is to get EPO [Music] dr. D I'm only gonna react area school
• 05:30 - 06:00 ooh yeah that's all it really bothered over I get I get revised inharmonious new leader those gonna move over Warren I got Adam his usual talk to his out of town but he quickly gets the name of another doctor who can help now we've only been here a short space of time and it shows me how easy it is to get hold of these things and it also
• 06:00 - 06:30 says there's a network of people out there ready to provide drugs to the athletes and wait for now he says he'll fix an appointment with one of the doctors in a few days [Music] Julius is about to compete in one of the biggest national athletics meets in Kenya I'd expect him to rest anybody can't afford to he has to work and how
• 06:30 - 07:00 many hours every day for two will for four hours you spend four hours yeah four to five for me one of the most important things as an athlete is rest when do you get your time to rest if you're training and then you come here and you work so for me I just plan my time so how much money would you get for working here yeah Barney it's 150
• 07:00 - 07:30 healing skin issues yeah a hundred and fifty shillings is one pound for a day's work Julius's life just seems so relentless to me you know he's up in the morning training and then in the afternoon if he's not too tired he's here slugging it out for four hours and then he's got an evening session and it just makes me realize and understand why he's so hungry to be successful it's the day
• 07:30 - 08:00 of Julius's race some of the top athletes in the country are here it's the best chance Julius's had to get noticed the events happening at the Efrafa stadium in the city of Nakuru for me this is the biggest day because a meeting with the top athletes the children's athletes and also leaves the meets of the canyons athletics I only
• 08:00 - 08:30 need to make sure I move on time so that I may be selected all links in this is big Julius is running in the heats of the 5000 meters if he manages to qualify for the final he'll be in contention for the national team I'm feeling for you man you can do this you can yeah I can do that I can do that Athletics Kenya the sport's governing body has multimillion-dollar sponsorship because
• 08:30 - 09:00 of the success of its runners but looking around you wouldn't know it the track is just standard for international athletes this is the president of
• 09:00 - 09:30 athletics Kenya has been suspended by the world governing body do I double AF over allegations he's improperly diverted sponsorship money he denies the accusations the organization at this track me has been chaotic to say the least Julius has been given so many different start times and now it's just gone past 12 and he's been told to get ready because his race is about to start
• 09:30 - 10:00 I don't know how he's supposed to prepare for the biggest moment of his life with so much disorganization it's just crazy he's just the inner mill so he has to run on a full stomach good luck he hasn't even had a chance the warm-up race is actually gonna start I've got my stopwatch already I think we're gonna have to get off the track cuz there's so many of them [Applause]
• 10:00 - 10:30 [Music] Julis is looking comfortable boy genius they relaxed they relaxed [Music] what I'm a bit worried about is he's dropping back now he's dropping back into the pack come on Julian let's keep fighting keep fighting in its final lap but he catches up he's with the leaders and they're way ahead of the rest of the field let's go
• 10:30 - 11:00 let's go let's go let's go let's go good job he finishes seventh for Julius is a great result how was that well done despite all the distractions that's six seconds faster than he's ever run before he's gonna be in the final even when you're not prepared when you're not ready you're still able to compete that's that's the sign of a champion
• 11:00 - 11:30 that's a sign of someone who's who's ready to go to the top you know it's not about us it's about you yeah yeah he's for you we're doing this for you [Music] I hear there are other allegations against officials at athletics Kenya
• 11:30 - 12:00 to find out more I visit Ronald Kipp Chomper an elite long distance runner Germany Germany in 2007 so every year you were willing medals winning races in 2012 Ronald was caught using EPO at a marathon in Austria his band ended in 2014 but officials at athletics Kenya haven't sent the paperwork to let him compete again instead they keep phoning him and what
• 12:00 - 12:30 were they calling you for well yeah so let's look at the code or one in the other we don't do well my back glad to see I was either so when you say something small what do you mean by the end but then I put in the best of a games I love when are you doing it I lost in the desert them oh yeah so a que have been asking you for money before they'll give you the letter for clearance yeah yeah what in your other
• 12:30 - 13:00 you as well as the president the chief executive of athletics Kenya is also currently suspended by the I double AF after allegations that he asked athletes for bribes to reduce doping bans he denies the allegations if everything that Ronald his same is true then a.k.a batesy they're basically holding him hostage they should be supporting him you know he's done his time
• 13:00 - 13:30 this is bizarres bonkers I meet up with the marathon runner who uses EPO he's brought a friend okay guys good luck and most importantly stay safe and remember you're asking about it but don't do it take care guys they go to
• 13:30 - 14:00 meet the doctor the marathon runner normally uses to get EPO the friend is a clean athlete who will pretend he wants to start doping he explains he has a big
• 14:00 - 14:30 race coming the doctor tells him he wants blood tests to check his health they agreed to meet in a few days [Music] performance-enhancing drugs work but
• 14:30 - 15:00 they're dangerous EPO can cause heart attacks strokes and liver damage and a lot of Kenyan athletes don't know the risks in here we're here yeah Titus kept rhombic oz gay raced in many European marathons he died suddenly last year he was only 35 he used EPO and his
• 15:00 - 15:30 family believed they killed him his wife pnina tends his grave in the front yard [Music] his uncle William also introduced how do you feel after what's happened
• 15:30 - 16:00 Oh William says EPO helped Titus run faster but he started suffering from
• 16:00 - 16:30 headaches swelling and high blood pressure William also used to take EPO and still suffers from side effects in about imagine being out there William says that neither he or Titus knew about the health risks as an athlete in the UK I was constantly given
• 16:30 - 17:00 information about banned drugs and their dangers is exactly what athletics can is should be doing but very little if it happens you know it'd be really easy for me to sit here and judge William after that because some of the life choices is made have been crazy you know because of them his career is over and they're probably the reason why his nephew is dead but the reality is for a lot of Kenyan athletes they are desperate to change
• 17:00 - 17:30 their life situation and the stakes are so high all they need to do is win one race and they could change the lives of their family or even their whole village and I don't know how an athlete is supposed to cope with that much pressure especially when they're getting very little if any help from their governing body the undercover athlete returns to
• 17:30 - 18:00 the doctor with his blood results he pretends he now has a race the very next day the doctor offers him two treatments first he shows him a PO fit a brand of EPO he boasts he's just given some to a member of the national team the athlete says he's worried the EPO will be detected if he's tested doctors tried to
• 18:00 - 18:30 time EPO doping so the drug builds up athletes in training but is out of their system before they race out of competition testing would detect that but it rarely happens here to avoid taking EPO the runner says he can't stay for 40 minutes and will have to come back later but in the meantime the doctor offers a different much quicker
• 18:30 - 19:00 injection in a sabia okay the athlete pays 3500 shillings around 24 pounds I told him not to have any injections but he feels pressured he lets the doctor give him glucose
• 19:00 - 19:30 this is dopin unless there's a medical exemption glucose injections are banned in athletics the doctor tells him to make sure he returns for the EPO this doctor is not unknown operator he's part of a network of medics who exploit Kenya's weak anti-doping controls the
• 19:30 - 20:00 world anti-doping agency is demanded that chemists set up an independent agency to police doping to work with athletics Kenya worried that Kenya might be banned from the Olympics the government has passed the bill creating their agency but there are skeptics I'm gonna meet Wesley career he's a current runner he's a politician and he's the founding member of PAC the professional
• 20:00 - 20:30 athletes Association of Kenya now hopefully he'll have some more answers for me Wesley's won the Boston Marathon and the LA Marathon twice he says a Kenyan dokyun agency won't work he has to be people from outside because let me tell you we live in a corrupt country very corrupt country how does that make you feel doesn't that sudden you to be able to just sit there and with ease say my country is corrupt it is suffering it
• 20:30 - 21:00 is very saddening it is very unfortunate it's very unfortunate but it's something that we have to understand it is the truth it was it's better for us to face the truth than to pretend and not and avoid future problems we live in a very very corrupt country that even to me if you hire a Kenyan to go do out-of-competition testing by himself my friend I won't trust that urine is
• 21:00 - 21:30 bringing if it's I really [Music] today is huge for Julius are you feeling nervous at all yes yeah that's a natural thing yeah yeah it's [Music] it's the day of the final if he runs
• 21:30 - 22:00 fast enough he might be selected for the national team Julius has just had to rush into the athletic stadium and we can't follow him in with the cameras because we're not allowed to film but he seems really calm and I hope he does well a few hours later Julius returns Julius Julius what
• 22:00 - 22:30 happened it's bad news I can't believe it but the organizers have cancelled the 5000 meter final now Julius has lost his best chance of being selected for the national team I feel sad I feel embarrassed also in short I wanted to prove my talent
• 22:30 - 23:00 push as Metamucil so frustrated to be that close to reaching his goal and having it taken away from him sport can be really cruel at times but this is one of the coolest things I've ever seen yeah I would not give up because I know that if I give up I lose I lose even so that's my slogan that I will never give up [Music]
• 23:00 - 23:30 we've contacted athletics Kenya asked him for an interview or statement about what we found while making this film they did not respond Julius and the other athletes sacrificed everything but from what I've seen Athletics Kenya don't step up to match that dedication that's harming the reputation and the future of the Kenyan runners who've always been my heroes thanks for
• 23:30 - 24:00 watching this classic unreported world episode click the logo to subscribe for more award-winning documentaries from the unreported world team we upload videos every Sunday keeping you up to date with content from all over the world [Music]