Kenyan world marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO), a banned substance used to boost endurance, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has announced.
The positive test came from a sample collected before Jepchirchir won the Sydney Marathon, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her victory.
EPO stimulates the production of red blood cells, increasing the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen to muscles. It is prohibited in competitive sport because it can enhance endurance and poses health risks when misused.
A provisional suspension is an interim measure imposed while an anti-doping case is being handled. It is not, by itself, a final determination that an athlete has committed an anti-doping rule violation.
Jepchirchir, one of Kenya’s leading distance runners, has enjoyed success on the international marathon circuit, including winning the women’s marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The AIU is responsible for managing anti-doping matters in athletics, including investigating suspected violations and pursuing disciplinary cases.
Further proceedings will determine the outcome of the case and whether any sanctions will be imposed.
