Written by Lisa Murimi
Promising Kenyan marathoner Brian Kipsang has been slapped with a two-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for a banned substance following his podium finish at the Rome Marathon in March.
According to a statement released by the AIU, Kipsang tested positive for Triamcinolone acetonide, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, which was detected in a urine sample collected on March 16 — a day before the marathon.
The sample was analyzed by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited lab in Rome, which reported an Adverse Analytical Finding.
Kipsang, who finished second in the Rome Marathon on March 17 behind fellow Kenyan Robert Ng’eno, did not request the testing of a “B” sample and accepted the initial findings.
The AIU noted that since this was his first offense, a standard two-year ban was imposed, though a longer ban could apply if deliberate use is proven.
Kipsang earned Ksh1.1 million for his performance in Rome. It remains unclear whether his result will be annulled and prize money revoked.
The case marks the latest in a string of doping scandals involving Kenyan athletes.
Just weeks prior, Brimin Kipkorir, the 2024 Sydney Marathon winner, was banned for testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO) and furosemide.
The AIU continues to stress the importance of clean sport, as scrutiny over doping in Kenyan athletics intensifies.
Kipsang’s ban is effective immediately, and he will be ineligible to compete until 2027.
