Bahrain athletes have cried foul following doping claims against Olympic Games 3,000m steeplechase champion Ruth Jebet.

On 4th March 2018, The Guardian reported that

Olympic champion Ruth Jebet embroiled in drug-testing. scandal https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/mar/04/ruth-jebet-olympic-champion-drug-test-kenya-bahrain-steeplechase

World half marathon silver medalist Abraham Naiebi Cheroben who returned to his native land on Tuesday morning where he was welcomed with song and dance at the Eldoret International Airport to celebrate his achievement following his exploits in Valencia, Spain said the news hit them hard.

Cheroben, who anchored his team to win bronze at the world half marathon, running his season best of 1:00.22, said the scandal might affect their youthful career.

Cheroben said he heard about the doping story that surprised him but remained optimistic that he knows he competes clean.

“When I heard of the doping story, I was so surprised. I wondered about our career, with any win will be questionable since we come from Kenya and competing for Bahrain,” said the double Valencia half marathon champion.

Cheroben, the Kenyan born turned Bahraini finished second behind Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor to win silver for his new country, the first silver for the Middle East country.

The 26 year old runner was received at the airport with family members, coach and athletes as he targets to represent his country at the 2019 world cross country championships.

Coming from Kenya and running for Bahrain, Cheroben said they have good relationships with their new status but with such allegations, they lose their integrity.

“Bahrain has become our home and some our names may be suspected hence ruining our career. I felt so bad when I heard of the doping story.  I was in Kapcherop when the news was broken,” added the 2017 Copenhagen half marathon champion.

Neutralized Kenyans have claimed victory beating their former country and training mates.

In 2017, Rose Chelimo won the first Bahrain international to win IAAF world marathon title in London relegating two time champion Edna Kiplagat to silver. Ruth Jebet, now the world world 3,000m steeplechase record holder, won gold at the Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games title in Brazil in water and barriers race Eunice Kirwa won silver in 2016 Olympic Games silver behind suspended Jemima Sumgong.