Marathon champion Jepchirchir faces provisional ban over EPO test

The Athletics Integrity Unit announced Friday that Jepchirchir, the reigning world marathon champion, has been provisionally banned pending a full investigation into the anti-doping violation. The positive test for erythropoietin, or EPO, a blood booster banned in sport, was detected in a sample taken prior to her recent Sydney Marathon win.

Under World Athletics anti-doping rules, provisional suspension is typically imposed when an athlete tests positive for a prohibited substance. The measure prevents the athlete from competing while the case is processed, though it does not constitute a final finding of guilt.

Jepchirchir, one of Kenya's most accomplished distance runners, won the world marathon championship title in 2021. The provisional ban marks a significant development in international athletics enforcement and raises questions about the integrity of recent competition results.

The AIU, responsible for investigating and prosecuting anti-doping cases in track and field, is expected to conduct further testing and analysis of the sample. Jepchirchir has the right to request analysis of the backup sample and pursue other legal remedies available under World Athletics regulations.