Marathon world record-holder Chepngetich provisionally suspended over banned substance

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FILE PHOTO: Oct 13, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya celebrates after finishing first in the women’s race, setting a new world record at 2:09:56 during the Chicago Marathon at Grant Park. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images/File Photo

REUTERS

Womens marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit for the presence and use of the prohibited substance hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

The substance, a diuretic, was detected in a sample collected from the Kenyan athlete on March 14, the AIU said in a statement on Thursday.

Chepngetich was not provisionally suspended by the AIU at the time of notification, however, on 19 April, she opted for a voluntary provisional suspension while the AIUs investigation was ongoing, said AIU Head Brett Clothier.

In the intervening months, the AIU continued its investigation and today issued a Notice of Charge and imposed its own provisional suspension.

The AIU said HCTZ is used clinically to treat fluid retention and hypertension, adding that diuretics may be abused to mask the presence in urine of other prohibited substances.

Chepngetich smashed the womens marathon record in Chicago last October, running two hours, nine minutes and 56 seconds to become the first woman to break 2:10.

In April, Chepngetich withdrew from the London Marathon, saying at the time she was not in the right place mentally or physically to race her best. REUTERS