Athletic star Chepngetich faces suspension from competition
Ruth Chepngetich, the current women's marathon world record holder, is currently under a provisional suspension following a positive doping test. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the independent integrity agency of the International Athletics Federation, announced that Chepngetich tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a banned diuretic.
The sample that tested positive was collected on March 14, 2021. The concentration of HCTZ in Chepngetich's sample was 3,800 ng/mL, which is approximately 190 times higher than the allowed limit set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) of 20 ng/mL.
After being notified of the positive result on April 3, 2021, Chepngetich voluntarily agreed to a provisional suspension starting April 16, 2021, which temporarily bars her from competition while the investigation continues. She maintains the right to a hearing before a disciplinary tribunal to present her case. If found guilty, she could face a ban of up to two years, depending on the circumstances.
This development comes as a significant shock to the athletics community, especially considering Chepngetich's recent achievements. She had recently set the women’s marathon world record at the 2020 Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:09:56, breaking the previous record by nearly two minutes.
In recent years, several prominent Kenyan runners, including Brimin Misoi Kipkorir and Kibiwott Kandie, have also been suspended for doping violations. Kibiwott Kandie, the former half marathon world record holder, and Brimin Misoi Kipkorir, a two-time Frankfurt winner, have also faced suspensions due to doping offenses.
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a diuretic classified as a "Specified Substance" under the World Anti-Doping Code. While it is not a direct performance enhancer, it is prohibited because it can be used as a masking agent to dilute and hide the presence of other banned substances in urine samples.
Chepngetich requested a suspension three days after being informed. The suspension does not automatically follow under the World Anti-Doping Code, according to the AIU. The AIU has further investigated the case and has now imposed a provisional suspension on Chepngetich.
This news has caused considerable shock and disappointment in the athletics community, as Chepngetich had been hailed as a role model for her impressive performances and dedication to the sport. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
[1] Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) statement on Ruth Chepngetich's provisional suspension: [2] World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list:
Sports enthusiasts are left disheartened by the news of Ruth Chepngetich's provisional suspension, as she had set the women’s marathon world record just months prior. Her sudden ban, following a positive doping test for hydrochlorothiazide, a banned diuretic, has stirred widespread shock and disappointment within the athletics community.
