Asbel Kiprop’s journey in athletics was a dazzling sprint to global recognition, with an Olympic gold medal and three World Championships cementing his place in the annals of elite sports. But Kiprop’s journey was not just one of triumph; his path would lead him to confront struggles far more complex than anything he encountered on the track.
In 2018, Kiprop’s world came crashing down. He faced a doping scandal that shocked the athletics community, tarnishing his once spotless reputation. A positive test for erythropoietin (EPO), a blood-boosting drug, led to a four-year suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). For an athlete who had built his life around discipline and rigorous training, the accusation was devastating. Kiprop vividly remembers the moment he learned of the ban, describing the gut-wrenching impact it had on him: “I developed a running stomach. I was shaking…speechless… My heart felt like someone had plucked it.” The ban left him in a state of shock and despair, a reaction that led him down a path of sleepless nights, self-isolation, and bitterness.
Societal expectations had always been a strong force in Kiprop’s life. As a public figure admired by fans and respected by his community, his fall from grace was jarring. The isolation and abandonment he felt were profound. “People I thought knew me were not standing with me,” he recalls, underscoring the loneliness that often comes with fame. In his pain, Kiprop found himself wanting someone who could understand the anguish of losing what he had worked so hard to achieve. The doping scandal forced him to confront not only the disintegration of his career but also the psychological burden of fame a weight many athletes carry but seldom discuss.
Fame, with its privileges of wealth and admiration, also brought challenges that compounded his struggles. Kiprop found himself embroiled in controversies, from allegations of promiscuity to claims of reckless behavior. The external pressures and temptations that often accompany success had left him vulnerable, drawing him into actions he now regrets. He openly acknowledges his past mistakes and accepts responsibility, saying, “I made some mistakes in life, and I have always taken the consequences.” Despite the public scrutiny, he found temporary solace in training and the familiar camaraderie of friendships. However, the scandal shattered these bonds, leaving Kiprop to wrestle with depression.
His struggles, like those faced by many, were hidden from the public eye. He endured a private battle, and his call for help went unheard until a moment of vulnerability emerged in a social media post. Kiprop’s message, which hinted at desperation and pain, drew the attention of his followers and raised concerns. It was a moment that allowed others to intervene, sparking a redemptive turn in his life. With support from friends and mentors, Kiprop began to address his emotional wounds an act of courage that too many men avoid due to societal expectations about vulnerability.
At 35, Kiprop is taking steps to rebuild his life and career. He has set his sights on representing Kenya again, aiming to qualify for the 2025 World Athletics Championships. His return to competition at the National Police Service Track and Field Championships, where he won his 1500m heat, was a small but meaningful victory. This race symbolized not only his renewed commitment to the sport but also his determination to start over, no longer as the prodigious young star but as a seasoned athlete carrying the lessons of victory and loss.
Reflecting on his journey, Kiprop offers a powerful message for others facing setbacks. He emphasizes that failure does not diminish one’s value; rather, it reveals one’s character and strength. “A setback does not define one’s worth,” he says, advocating for resilience and perseverance as essential responses to life’s challenges. Kiprop’s aspiration to start fresh and succeed for his employer, the Kenya Police, reflects his gratitude toward those who stood by him through his darkest moments. “I want to post good times and progressively go up the ladder,” he states, underscoring his commitment to honor the loyalty and support that helped him endure.
Kiprop’s journey is not only about athletic glory but also about personal redemption and growth. His experience underscores the importance of mental health, self-reflection, and seeking support in times of crisis. Through his resilience, Kiprop hopes to inspire others facing struggles whether in sports or in life to find strength and redefine success on their own terms. His return to the track marks a new beginning, a reminder that one’s worth is not tied solely to achievements but is also measured by the courage to rise after a fall.
