Marathon world record holder Chepngetich provisionally suspended
The 2019 world champion Chepngetich became the first woman to dip below two hours 10 minutes over the marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres last year when she won the Chicago race in 2:09:56 hours.
BERLIN - Women's marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya has been provisionally suspended after she tested positive for a banned diuretic and masking agent, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
Brett Clothier, head of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), said on Thursday that it "issued a notice of charge and imposed its provisional suspension" after further investigations.
He said that while provisional suspensions are not mandatory after positive tests for diuretics, Chepngetich originally "opted for a voluntary provisional suspension while the AIU’s investigation was ongoing."
The 2019 world champion Chepngetich became the first woman to dip below two hours 10 minutes over the marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres last year when she won the Chicago race in 2:09:56 hours.
The AIU said she tested positive for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) on March 14. She was notified of the results on April 16 and agreed on the voluntary suspension three days later.
Diuretics are normally used to treat fluid retention, but can also serve as masking agents for other prohibited substances.
Chepngetich faces a doping ban if found guilty. She has the right to be heard before a disciplinary tribunal. The AIU gave no time frame for further proceedings in the case, and said it would also not comment further on it until a ruling is made. - BERNAMA-dpa
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