Olympic marathoner Peres Jepchirchir suspended for EPO after Sydney win
Olympic and World Championship marathon champion tested positive for EPO before winning Sydney Marathon in August.
Peres Jepchirchir, winner of Olympic and World Championship marathon gold, has been provisionally suspended after an out-of-competition test returned positive for EPO. The Kenyan runner gave the sample before her August 30 victory at the Sydney Marathon, where she clocked 2 hours, 18 minutes and 31 seconds to win by over three minutes.
EPO is erythropoietin, a substance that boosts red blood cell production and oxygen delivery to muscles; when used as a banned drug, it is hard to detect because it only shows up in blood or urine for a short window.
The Athletics Integrity Unit, which oversees doping cases, is investigating. Jepchirchir is a two-time Olympic and World Championships winner with major victories at Boston, New York and London marathons.
Her Sydney win is now under scrutiny as authorities determine next steps.
- 2 hours, 18 minutes, 31 seconds
- Sydney Marathon time
- 33
- Current age
Why it mattersA top athlete's doping charges raise questions about competition integrity at major races and the effectiveness of testing.
AustraliaHer August Sydney Marathon victory, which drew global attention, is now clouded by doping allegations affecting the credibility of Australian-hosted events.
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