The women’s marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit for the presence and use of a prohibited substance.
A diuretic – hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) – was detected in a sample collected from the Kenyan track athlete on 14 March, according to a statement released by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) on Thursday (17 July).
AIU Head Brett Clothier said in a statement, “Chepngetich was not provisionally suspended by the AIU at the time of notification, however, on 19 April, she opted for a voluntary provisional suspension while the AIU’s investigation was ongoing.”
“In the intervening months, the AIU continued its investigation and today (Thursday) issued a Notice of Charge and imposed its own provisional suspension.”
The athlete now has the right for her case to be heard at a Disciplinary Tribunal.