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Kenyan Marathoner Josephine Chepkoech has been handed a seven-year ban following a doping violation.

This latest setback marks her second offense, casting a shadow over her once illustrious career.

Josephine Chepkoech ban

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) disclosed that Chepkoech, aged 35, came under scrutiny after providing a urine sample during an in-competition event held in Seville, Spain, on February 18, 2024.

“The AIU has banned Josephine Chepkoech (Kenya) for 7 years from 7 May 2024, for the Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Testosterone). DQ results from 18 February, 2024,” AIU announced.

Laboratory analysis conducted at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited facility in Madrid detected the presence of Sa-androstane-3047 diol (5αAdion) and 5β-androstane-3α,17β diol (5βAdiol), both metabolites of testosterone, signaling an adverse analytical finding.

These substances fall within the category of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) and are strictly prohibited at all times according to the WADA 2024 Prohibited List.

Despite lacking a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) or any apparent justification for their presence, Chepkoech failed to evade the damning evidence.

Upon notification of the adverse finding on May 7, 2024, Chepkoech chose not to contest the charges, instead opting to accept responsibility for her actions.

This admission culminated in the signing of an Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences form on May 20, 2024.

Josephine Chepkoech controversy

This isn’t the first time Chepkoech has found herself embroiled in doping controversy. A previous two-year suspension, endured from March 15, 2015, to March 14, 2017, stemmed from a similar offense relating to the presence of Norandrosterone in her sample provided on December 31, 2014.

Under Rule 10.2 of the Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), a repeat violation mandates a minimum ban of four years. However, given the deliberate nature of the breach and it being her second infraction, Chepkoech now faces an extended period of ineligibility totaling eight years.

Once lauded for her exceptional performances on the track, Chepkoech’s legacy is now tainted by the stain of doping violations.