Ruth Chepngetich, the women’s marathon world record-holder, is facing a potential two-year ban after testing positive for a banned diuretic and masking agent, the Athletics Integrity Unit has announced. Chepngetich made headlines with her remarkable performance at the Chicago marathon in October, where she shattered the previous record by nearly two minutes.
The Kenyan athlete withdrew from the London Marathon citing mental and physical challenges, only to later test positive for hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a banned substance. The Athletics Integrity Unit reported that Chepngetich voluntarily suspended herself during the investigation into the prohibited substance found in her sample.
Chepngetich’s rise to fame began in 2018 with an impressive marathon time, followed by a silver medal at the 2019 world championships. Her career reached new heights when she broke the world record in 2024, clocking an astonishing time of 2:09:56. However, her record-breaking achievement has now been overshadowed by the doping scandal.
Questions arose about the legitimacy of Chepngetich’s performance after her extraordinary feat, with some expressing doubts about the validity of her results. Despite the scrutiny, Chepngetich’s supporters, including members of the Kenyan parliament and Athletics Kenya, defended her integrity and accused critics of unfair allegations.
Brett Clothier, the head of the Athletics Integrity Unit, confirmed that Chepngetich cooperated with the investigation and has the right to present her case before a disciplinary tribunal. The use of diuretics like HCTZ in sports is strictly prohibited due to their potential to mask the presence of other banned substances in athletes’ urine.
Under the World Anti-Doping Code, diuretics are classified as specified substances, carrying a standard two-year ban for violations. Chepngetich’s case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the athletics community in maintaining fair competition and ensuring the integrity of the sport.
As Chepngetich awaits further proceedings and a possible disciplinary hearing, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for athletes worldwide about the consequences of doping violations in professional sports. The outcome of this case will not only impact Chepngetich’s career but also raise broader discussions about ethics and fair play in marathon running.
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