Mo Katir, banned for two years for skipping three anti-doping controls, will not go to the Paris Games
Just 10 days after receiving a provisional suspension from the International Athletics Federation (World Athletics), Mo Katir has now been officially disqualified for two years due to skipping three anti-doping controls. This Friday, it was announced that he will be banned from competition from February 7, 2024, until February 6, 2026, effectively preventing his participation in the upcoming Paris Games. While he has the option to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport of Lausanne (CAS), this marks a major setback for the world runner-up in the 5,000 meters.
Initially, Katir had planned to plead for precautionary measures that would enable him to compete in the Olympics. However, due to the strong opposition from the Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) to include him in the team while facing an open case, he has abandoned this plan. To have a chance at participating, Katir had to convince World Athletics to temporarily lift his suspension and then take his case to ordinary justice in order for the RFEA to consider him for the Paris Games. However, this has proven to be a difficult and time-consuming process.
In a statement released on Friday, Katir acknowledged the inevitability of the sanction and the need to comply with it as soon as possible. He changed his defense strategy, admitting his mistake in the matter. While initially claiming errors in the ADAMS system that tracks athletes, he now accepts responsibility, stating, “This problem has been motivated because I am a very clueless person.” Katir explains that one of the missed controls resulted from not sending an email to the correct recipient, while another was a result of failing to arrive home within the 60-minute window given by anti-doping doctors.
Unable to follow the example of Adel Mechaal, a Spanish middle distance runner who competed with precautionary measures during his suspension, Katir plans to appeal his sentence, hoping for a reduction like American sprinter Christian Coleman achieved in 2021. While missing the Olympic Games, Coleman’s appeal was successful, allowing him to return to competition the following season. If Katir’s strategy proves successful, he may aim to make a comeback for the 2025 Tokyo World Cup and defend his silver medal in the 5,000 meters.
Despite the consequences of his actions, Katir has not lost his sporting career. He continues to receive a scholarship to train at the Sierra Nevada High Performance Center (CAR) and his sponsorship from Asics remains intact. However, he has lost the trust of his teammates, many of whom expressed disappointment upon learning of his sanction. While Katir temporarily threatened to leave Spain and represent his country of origin, Morocco, it is believed to have been an emotional response rather than a serious consideration.