Former world marathon champion Ruth Chepngetich has been suspended for 10 months following a positive doping test, dealing a significant blow to her career and reputation.
The Kenyan athlete, who claimed gold at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, tested positive for the banned substance terbutaline, a bronchodilator often used to treat asthma. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed the violation, stating that Chepngetich had been provisionally suspended since February.
Details of the Case
Chepngetich argued that the positive test resulted from prescribed medication for respiratory issues, but the AIU ruled that she failed to provide sufficient evidence of a therapeutic use exemption (TUE).
Her ban, backdated to the date of her provisional suspension, will expire on December 5, 2024, making her eligible to return to competition just before the 2025 season.
Impact on Her Career
The 29-year-old runner, who also holds the second-fastest women’s marathon time in history (2:14:18), will miss key events, including potential appearances in major marathons this year.
This case adds to the growing scrutiny of doping in Kenyan athletics, with several high-profile runners recently sanctioned for similar violations.
