Athletic world record holder faces suspension following a positive drug test
In a shocking turn of events, the current marathon world record holder, Ruth Chepngetich, has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of World Athletics. The suspension comes following a positive test for hydrochlorothiazide, a banned diuretic, detected in a sample collected on March 14, 2025.
The AIU is currently investigating Chepngetich's case, and the editor of this article, Kieran Burke, emphasizes that the final decision will depend on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings. The AIU has issued a Notice of Charge and imposed a provisional suspension on Chepngetich, with the right to have her case heard at a Disciplinary Tribunal.
Initially, Chepngetich opted for a voluntary provisional suspension on April 19, three days after being informed of the positive test. According to AIU chief, Brett Clothier, a voluntary suspension is not mandatory under the World Anti-Doping Code, but Chepngetich chose to take one while the AIU's investigation was ongoing.
The positive test for diuretics and masking agents raises questions about Chepngetich's performance and the integrity of athletics. It's important to note that hydrochlorothiazide can be used to treat fluid retention and hypertension but is banned in sports because it can be used to hide traces of other banned substances.
Chepngetich's world record-breaking run in Chicago last October, where she set a new women's marathon world record with a time of 2:09:56, almost two minutes faster than the previous record held by Tigist Assefa, now casts a shadow of doubt.
It's worth mentioning that in recent years, former men's half-marathon world record holder Kibiwott Kandie and two-time Frankfurt men's marathon winner Brimin Misoi Kipkorir have also come to the attention of anti-doping authorities in Kenya.
Amidst this, Chepngetich withdrew from the London Marathon, citing reasons of not being in the right place mentally or physically to race her best. The provisional suspension was imposed by the AIU in the ongoing investigation of Chepngetich's case.
As the investigation continues, the athletics community waits with bated breath for the final verdict on Chepngetich's case. If found guilty, she could face a two-year ban from athletics. Until then, the focus remains on maintaining the integrity and fairness of the sport.
World sports enthusiasts are anxiously waiting for the outcome of the AIU's investigation into Ruth Chepngetich's case, as the suspension of the world marathon record holder could impact the sports community. With Chepngetich's record-breaking run in Chicago last October under scrutiny, questions about the integrity of athletics linger.
