Kenya’s Sarah Chepchirchir received an eight-year suspension after a repeat violation of anti-doping rules, as confirmed by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
The 39-year-old tested positive for testosterone during a marathon in Thailand last November, resulting in the nullification of her results since November 5th. This ban, effective from December 22nd, is her second offense, following a previous four-year suspension starting in 2018 due to irregularities in her athlete blood passport.
Despite the opportunity to reduce her ban by admitting guilt, Chepchirchir did not meet the AIU’s deadline. Recently, Kenyan athletes Hosea Kimeli Kisorio and Ayub Kiptum were also sanctioned by the AIU for three years due to EPO and testosterone use, respectively.
On a separate note, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has referred Nigeria’s anti-doping agency to the Court of Arbitration for Sport due to alleged non-compliance.
WADA imposed sanctions on Nigeria in November, citing failure to address crucial requirements. Nigeria contests WADA’s claims but faces consequences including ineligibility to host major sporting events and the exclusion of its flag at competitions until compliance is restored.
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