The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has announced the provisional suspension of Kenya’s Faith Chepchirchir Kiprotich for the presence/use of a prohibited substance, Norandrosterone.
Norandrosterone, an anabolic steroid banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for over 30 years, is known for its performance-enhancing effects, including increased muscle endurance and strength.
Details of the Allegation
The AIU published the Notice of Allegation against the 23-year-old athlete on Tuesday, January 7, following its issuance on Monday, December 23. Kiprotich is now required to respond to the charges by either:
- Admitting to the violation and providing explanations, or
- Denying the allegations and requesting further investigation.
According to the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, a Provisional Suspension is mandatory when there is an adverse analytical finding for a non-specified substance on the Prohibited List.
Understanding Provisional Suspensions
The AIU clarified that a Provisional Suspension:
- Does not presume guilt or serve as an early determination of the athlete’s culpability.
- Acts as a precautionary measure to safeguard the integrity of the sport while investigations continue.
Suspensions in non-doping cases may vary depending on the specific circumstances.
Implications for Kiprotich and Kenyan Athletics
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of doping in athletics, with Kenya having faced several cases of doping violations in recent years. Kiprotich’s case will now proceed through the established channels, with a final decision pending based on her response and subsequent hearings.
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