Kenyan Marathoner Daisy Cherotich Suspended for 4 Years

Daisy Cherotich, a long-distance runner from Kenya, has been handed a four-year suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) due to doping.

This comes barely a week after another Kenyan runner was issued a decade-long ban following an infraction. The Athletes Integrity Unit (AIU) recently shared that the urine sample from Cherotich tested positive for erythropoietin which is a component noted for its capabilities in heightening one's physical strength. The AIU relayed the outcome to Cherotich on February 21, 2023 and asked for her clarification along with the laboratory test outcomes in the next thirty days. Despite this clear direction, Cherotich didn't provide the required response in the given window.

As the AIU sought to give her a fair chance to respond, an extension was awarded to Cherotich until March 6, 2023. However, even after being informed of the possible ramifications of non-response, she remained unresponsive. Consequently, she was issued a Notice of Charge, stating that she had violated Anti-Doping Regulations and was now facing a four-year ban.

Cherotich had until July 17, 2023, to refute accusations against her; failing to do so would lead to a ban. However, Cherotich owned up to transgressing the Anti-Doping Rules just a day before the deadline and accepted the punishment meted out by AIU. This development comes shortly after AIU handed down a ten-year ban to Kenyan marathoner Titus Ekiru for alleged doping. According to AIU, Ekiru conspired with a doctor at a Kenyan hospital to forge medical records in order to deceive the anti-doping organization.

"The AIU has banned Titus Ekiru (Kenya) for 10 years, from 28 June 2022, for the Presence of Prohibited Substances (Triamcinolone Acetonide and metabolite; Pethidine and metabolite) and for Tampering." The AIU stated in an official statement.

Ekiru tested positive for banned substances during two international races, the Generali Milano Marathon on May 16, 2021, and the Abu Dhabi Marathon on November 26, 2021, both of which he emerged as the winner.