Women’s marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich has been banned for three years after testing positive for a prohibited substance earlier this year, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Thursday.
Chepngetich tested positive for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic used clinically to treat fluid retention and hypertension, in a sample collected on March 14 and later accepted a provisional suspension.
According to the World Anti-Doping Agency, diuretics like HCTZ can be used to flush previously taken prohibited substances out of an athlete’s system.
The three-year ban, which was reduced from four years after Chepngetich admitted to the doping violation, means that the Kenyan is eligible to compete again in April 2028.
Her results since March 14 have also been disqualified, but her marathon record of two hours, nine minutes and 56 seconds from Chicago last year will still stand.
CNN Sports has contacted Chepngetich’s representatives for comment.
According to the AIU, Chepngetich could not provide an explanation for the positive test when she was first interviewed by investigators on April 16.
