USADA announced today that an independent arbitrator has rendered a decision in the case of track and field athlete Shadrack Biwott of Folsom, Calif. After an evidentiary hearing on May 7, 2025, where both Biwott and USADA were provided a full opportunity to present their cases and witnesses to the independent arbitrator, the arbitrator determined that Biwott, 40, will receive a four-year sanction as the result of a positive test for erythropoietin (EPO) during an out-of-competition drug test on January 25, 2024. The arbitrator agreed to delay the hearing while Biwott remained provisionally suspended so that he could investigate the source of his positive test.
“EPO use remains a popular method for those looking to cheat, as we have seen by several recent cases,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. “It’s so important to conduct strategic special analysis and blood testing to catch doping and protect clean athletes’ right to a fair playing field.”
EPO is a non–Specified Substance in the class of Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics. It is prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
Biwott’s four-year period of ineligibility began on February 23, 2024, the date he was provisionally suspended. In addition, Biwott has been disqualified from any competitive results on and after January 25, 2024, the date of his positive test, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
The decision, as well as all other arbitral decisions, can be found here.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as support team members such as parents, coaches, and medical professionals in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to file and update athlete Whereabouts, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements, as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.
In addition, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global Drug Reference Online (GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, a clean sport handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.
USADA makes available a number of ways to report the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sport in an effort to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using the USADA Play Clean Tip Center, by text at 87232 (“USADA”), by email at playclean@USADA.org, by phone at 1-877-Play Clean (1-877-752-9253) or by mail.
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
For more information or media inquiries, email media@usada.org.