Ruth Chepngetich, the women's marathon world record holder, has been banned for three years after testing positive for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
What happened?
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed the ban, stating Chepngetich had admitted to the violations and accepted the charges and sanction.
The positive test occurred on March 14, with Chepngetich's urine sample showing an estimated 3,800 ng/mL of HCTZ, far exceeding the 20ng/mL threshold.
Why it matters for Ruth Chepngetich
Chepngetich claimed the positive test resulted from taking her housemaid's medication when ill, without knowing it contained a banned substance.
The AIU described her explanation as "hardly credible" and considered it a form of "recklessness" and "indirect intent".
What comes next?
The AIU will continue to investigate suspicious material recovered from Chepngetich's phone to determine if any other violations have occurred.
Chepngetich's achievements and records prior to the March 14, 2025 sample will stand, including her women's marathon world record of 2:09:56 set in Chicago in 2024.
The ban is a significant setback for the 31-year-old Kenyan athlete, who became the first woman to run a sub-two hour, 10 minute marathon time.
Chepngetich's case highlights the importance of athletes being aware of the medications they take and ensuring they do not contain banned substances.
The AIU's decision serves as a reminder of the strict anti-doping rules in place to maintain the integrity of the sport.
Brett Clothier, the AIU head, stated that the case has been resolved, but the investigation is ongoing.
Chepngetich's ban will be a significant topic of discussion in the athletics community, with many fans and fellow athletes likely to be disappointed by the news.
The women's marathon world record holder will have to wait three years before she can compete again, a significant blow to her career.