Here is what we wrote about the incident in Jonathan's recap of today's press event.
JG Wrote wrote:
I also wanted to ask Kiplimo for his thoughts on his agent, Federico Rosa. Rosa has represented five World Marathon Major champions who have subsequently been suspended for doping -- including Ruth Chepngetich, who was provisionally suspended in July after setting a world record in Chicago last year. I was curious to know if Kiplimo had concerns about remaining associated with him.
Kiplimo politely declined to engage -- "I cannot explain about that" -- but I found it notable that as soon as I mentioned the word "agent," two men standing behind Kiplimo immediately began tapping his shoulder to let Kiplimo know he should not answer the question. One of them was Nike sports marketing exec Robert Lotwis; I didn't catch the name of the other.
Kiplimo has never tested positive or been linked to doping himself, but in this sport, you are often judged by the company you keep. When you work with a coach or an agent who has had a laundry list of doping cases, questions about that come with the territory. And if Kiplimo doesn't want to answer a question, it should be his choice.
Editor's addition: It was quite striking how 2-3 of Kiplimo's handlers physically touched him when Jonathan Gault asked about Rosa. Watch it for yourself below at the 3:10 mark.
For the record, we believe all five of the World Marathon Major winners that Rosa represented that were later popped for drug violations - Ruth Chepngetich, Sarah Chepchirchir, Jemima Sumgong, Rita Jeptoo, Ruth Chepngetich and Lawrence Cherono - were sponsored by Nike when they won their majors. Additionally, Nike gives Rosa athletes a special privilege - they race in orange singlets. Athletes from other agents don't get special singlets.
Here is what we wrote about the incident in Jonathan's recap of today's press event.
JG Wrote wrote:
I also wanted to ask Kiplimo for his thoughts on his agent, Federico Rosa. Rosa has represented five World Marathon Major champions who have subsequently been suspended for doping -- including Ruth Chepngetich, who was provisionally suspended in July after setting a world record in Chicago last year. I was curious to know if Kiplimo had concerns about remaining associated with him.
Kiplimo politely declined to engage -- "I cannot explain about that" -- but I found it notable that as soon as I mentioned the word "agent," two men standing behind Kiplimo immediately began tapping his shoulder to let Kiplimo know he should not answer the question. One of them was Nike sports marketing exec Robert Lotwis; I didn't catch the name of the other.
Kiplimo has never tested positive or been linked to doping himself, but in this sport, you are often judged by the company you keep. When you work with a coach or an agent who has had a laundry list of doping cases, questions about that come with the territory. And if Kiplimo doesn't want to answer a question, it should be his choice.
Editor's addition: It was quite striking how 2-3 of Kiplimo's handlers physically touched him when Jonathan Gault asked about Rosa. Watch it for yourself below at the 3:10 mark.
For the record, we believe all five of the World Marathon Major winners that Rosa represented that were later popped for drug violations - Ruth Chepngetich, Sarah Chepchirchir, Jemima Sumgong, Rita Jeptoo, Ruth Chepngetich and Lawrence Cherono - were sponsored by Nike when they won their majors. Additionally, Nike gives Rosa athletes a special privilege - they race in orange singlets. Athletes from other agents don't get special singlets.
Imagine if LeBron James was asked a question about his agent being affiliated with noted dopers and several people touched LeBron as if to say don’t answer. It makes one think that Jacob is doping, whether he is fully aware of it or not, and that his handlers are fully aware of it.
Why do you guys harass people associated with Rosa and (in the past) Salazar, but you haven't asked that question of Athing Mu or SML regarding Bobby Kersee?
Why did Jon even ask that question? He is rocking the boat. These marathon press conferences are all about positive media and good pr. It is not the time or place ask about doping. No one is going to give an honest answer anyway. All you are going to get is the standard doping is harmful line.
I have done the press conferences and once you have done one you have done them all. Runners always say it is a great city and fantastic course. They always tell you their training was perfect and they will run really fast. No one ever says anything interesting or controversial. They are there to promote the race and sponsors. Nothing more and nothing less.
Imagine if LeBron James was asked a question about his agent being affiliated with noted dopers and several people touched LeBron as if to say don’t answer. It makes one think that Jacob is doping, whether he is fully aware of it or not, and that his handlers are fully aware of it.
Anybody who ever thought that any top African could be clean, is and was pretty dumb.
Imagine if LeBron James was asked a question about his agent being affiliated with noted dopers and several people touched LeBron as if to say don’t answer. It makes one think that Jacob is doping, whether he is fully aware of it or not, and that his handlers are fully aware of it.
Anybody who ever thought that any top African could be clean, is and was pretty dumb.
There was a time when only 1 elite Kenyan had been busted
Renato referred to this single case as evidence there wasn’t a doping problem
Many of use believed they were getting away with it . Suspicion around Rosa goes back to the late 90s i believe
Why did Jon even ask that question? He is rocking the boat. These marathon press conferences are all about positive media and good pr. It is not the time or place ask about doping. No one is going to give an honest answer anyway. All you are going to get is the standard doping is harmful line.
I have done the press conferences and once you have done one you have done them all. Runners always say it is a great city and fantastic course. They always tell you their training was perfect and they will run really fast. No one ever says anything interesting or controversial. They are there to promote the race and sponsors. Nothing more and nothing less.
These cheats need to be aware that at least some people are on to them.
I mean, someone like Kiplimo will probably get away with it, but failing an actual bust, him knowing that we know is a start.
Imagine if LeBron James was asked a question about his agent being affiliated with noted dopers and several people touched LeBron as if to say don’t answer. It makes one think that Jacob is doping, whether he is fully aware of it or not, and that his handlers are fully aware of it.