Ruth Chepngetich, the current world record holder for the women’s marathon, has been provisionally suspended due to a positive doping test. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Thursday that Chepngetich tested positive for a prohibited diuretic and masking agent in March. In response, she has opted for a voluntary provisional suspension as the investigation continues.
Chepngetich set the world record in October when she finished the Chicago Marathon in an impressive time of two hours, nine minutes, and 56 seconds, breaking the previous record by almost two minutes. This marked her third victory in Chicago, a city where she has had significant success in her marathon career.
In addition to her Chicago feats, Chepngetich claimed the gold medal at the 2019 World Championships held in Qatar, where the women’s marathon was uniquely scheduled at midnight to avoid extreme heat. The AIU has not provided a specific timeline for the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings against the 30-year-old athlete.
After her positive test, Chepngetich was interviewed by the AIU in Kenya in April, where she cooperated fully with the investigation, as stated by AIU official Brett Clothier. The banned substance identified in her test, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), is often associated with masking the effects of performance-enhancing drugs.
Chepngetich’s adherence to the investigation process indicates her commitment to resolving the situation transparently, but the implications of her provisional suspension cast a shadow over her future in the sport.