Two more Kenyan marathoners suspended for doping

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended Kenya's 2021 Boston Marathon winner Diana Chemtai Kipyokei and her compatriot Betty Wilson Lempus for using the banned substance triamcinolone acetonide.

In addition to the banned substance, the two are also being charged with obstructing AIU's investigation by providing false information or documentation, according to a statement by AIU on Friday afternoon.

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"After extensive investigations, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended two Kenyan marathoners – Diana Kipyokei and Betty Wilson Lempus – and charged them with various breaches of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules (ADR). These alleged anti-doping rule violations stem from probes into the information provided by the athletes to explain Adverse Analytical Findings (AAF) for metabolites of triamcinolone acetonide in samples they provided during in-competition tests last year.

Both athletes were questioned about their AAF, and their respective explanations (including supporting documentation) were subjected to detailed investigation by the AIU, with vital assistance from the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK). Ultimately, the AIU’s findings led to the charges being announced today," part of the statement by AIU read.

Chemtai and Lempus add to the list of over 20 Kenyan athletes, who have now been sanctioned by AIU this year alone, with Kenya remaining on the radar for doping violations.

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The Boston Marathon winner's sample was collected on October 11, 2021, following her victory in the race, and in the event that the alleged violation for the presence of a prohibited substance is proven, she would be disqualified as the winner of the 2021 Boston Marathon.

Lempus’ sample was taken on September 5, 2021, after she won the Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris. Although she had gotten reprieve after the French anti-doping agency (AFLD) initially cleared her of an anti-doping rule violation for the presence of the substance, AIU conducted an investigation into the explanation provided by Lempus in consultation with AFLD which has now resulted in the charge.

Tampering or Attempted Tampering with any part of Doping Control (pursuant to Rule 2.5 ADR), including obstructing or delaying the AIU’s investigation through the provision of false information or documentation.