Doping: Another Kenyan bites the dust

Kenyan runner Agnes Mutua has been banned for five years from 29 January 2024 for Presence/Use of Prohibited Substances (Testosterone and Trimetazidine).

Her results from 3 December 2023 when her positive sample was taken when she finished second at the Amazing Thailand Half Marathon, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) reports that on 25 January 2024, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory in Bangkok reported an Adverse Analytical Finding in the Sample based on the presence of Testosterone and its Metabolites Androsterone, Etiocholanolone, 5αandrostane-3α,17 diol (“5αAdiol”) and 5β-androstane-3α,17 diol (“5βAdiol”) of exogenous origin and Trimetazidine.

The AIU reviewed the Adverse Analytical Finding in accordance with Article 5 of the International Standard for Results Management (“ISRM”) and determined that the Athlete did not have a Therapeutic Use Exemption (“TUE”) that had been granted (or that would be granted) for the exogenous Testosterone (and its Metabolites) or the Trimetazidine found in the Sample.

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Additionally, there was no apparent departure from the International Standard for Testing and Investigations (“ISTI”) or from the International Standard for Laboratories (“ISL”) that could reasonably have caused the Adverse Analytical Finding.

On 29 January 2024, the AIU notified the Athlete of the Adverse Analytical Finding and of the imposition of an immediate Provisional Suspension.

The Athlete was also informed of her rights, inter alia, to request the B Sample analysis, to request copies of the laboratory documentation supporting the Adverse Analytical Finding and to admit the Anti-Doping Rule Violations and potentially benefit from a one-year reduction in the period of Ineligibility pursuant to Rule 10.8.1 ADR by 5 February 2024.

A miscommunication saw the timeline, for a response from the athlete, extended. On 8 April 2024, the AIU received an Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences Form signed by the Athlete.