Another Kenyan Athlete Suffers 6-Year Doping Ban
Emmaculate Anyango, Kenya’s emerging cross-country star, has received a six-year penalty for several anti-doping offenses.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of World Athletics announced the suspension on Friday, November 22, after Anyango tested positive for testosterone and the blood-boosting hormone EPO.
The 24-year-old’s promising career, which has seen her smash records and win awards, now faces an unclear future, with her suspension expected to extend until 2030.
The AIU has banned Emmaculate Anyango Achol (Kenya) for 6 years from 26 September 2024 for Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Testosterone and EPO). DQ results from 3 February 2024
— Athletics Integrity Unit (@aiu_athletics) November 22, 2024
Details here: https://t.co/NR3QXXHXpo pic.twitter.com/T0QVw21Qyt
Anyango’s doping offenses, uncovered through various urine and blood samples between February and June 2024, represent an increasing tendency in the country.
The AIU stated in a public statement that her initial tests tested positive for testosterone metabolites, while further samples proved the presence of EPO, a drug believed to improve endurance by increasing red blood cell formation.
Despite Anyango’s claims that she did not knowingly swallow illegal substances, the AIU rejected her explanation and imposed the suspension.
In her defence, Anyango claimed that the illegal medications entered her system during hospital procedures after she fainted.
She admitted to receiving injections at several medical facilities in Eldoret but said she was unaware of what was being given to her.
However, the AIU judged this defense unsatisfactory and concluded that her failure to react to the doping charge before the November 1 deadline had forfeited her right to a hearing.
Her inability to prove the substances were provided without intent resulted in the extension of her prohibition.
Breakthrough Kenyan athletics talent.
— Saddique Shaban (@SaddiqueShaban) March 19, 2024
Emmaculate Anyango.
Remember the name.
Remember the face. pic.twitter.com/G2tw2uQ5WA
In January 2024, she ran the second-fastest 10km time ever by a woman, recording 28:57 minutes in Valencia, Spain, barely behind world record holder Agnes Ngetich.
Anyango had been dubbed Kenya’s next big distance running prodigy, and her accomplishments had garnered her numerous accolades, including the Sports Personality of the Month award in February.
However, with her punishment now confirmed, it is unlikely she will return to competition until her peak years have passed, potentially bringing an end to what appeared to be a promising athletic career.
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The AIU also determined to disqualify Anyango from all her results from February 2024, adding to her misfortune.
Her fourth-place finish at the 2024 World Cross Country Championships in March, when Kenya won the team gold medal, will no longer be recorded.
This year alone, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has provisionally punished 33 athletes from a variety of sports for infractions.
As of October, the World Athletics Federation had banned 11 Kenyan athletes from competing.
Another Kenyan Athlete Suffers 6-Year Doping Ban
