Kenyan runner Lawrence Cherono has been temporarily disqualified for using a banned drug on May 23.
The AIU said a Wada-accredited lab in Lausanne received the sample on May 27 and alerted the agency on July 13 of the unfavorable analytical result.
Cherono, the 2019 Boston and Chicago marathon winner, planned to partner up with Geoffrey Kamworor and Barnaba Kiptum at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, U.S.
Both runners are out of the Oregon22 World Athletics Championships in their specialty. Cherono was poised to represent Kenya again after coming fourth in Tokyo. AIU reported a Cherono sample tested positive for trimetazidine, a banned metabolic modulator under Wada 2022.
“These substances alter fat metabolism. In certain countries, trimetazidine is licensed to treat chest discomfort from a shortage of blood and oxygen to the heart “AIU stated.
“Trimetazidine is a non-specified drug, and a temporary suspension is obligatory after a positive test unless specific criteria apply.
Cherono was traveling to Eugene, Oregon for the World Championships when he was told.
“The athlete had a chance to demonstrate to the AIU why he shouldn’t be temporarily banned. After reviewing Cherono’s late 15 July submission, the AIU has decided to suspend him immediately; he won’t run the 17 July marathon.
“Cherono’s punishment comes two weeks after Joel Maina Mwangi was suspended for three years for doping with Nandrolone. Last year, Cherono finished second in Boston in 2:07:21, losing to compatriot Evans Chebet in 2:06:51.
Cherono represented Kenya in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he placed fourth in 2:10:02, losing to Eliud Kipchoge, who won in 2:08:38. Cherono joins several Kenyan sportsmen sanctioned this year for doping.
Eglay Nalianya of Kenya was barred from the World Indoor Championships in March for using a prohibited drug. Mathew Kisorio was banned for four years in April for his whereabouts, together with Justus Kimutai and Morris Munene Gachaga.
Joyce Chepkirui was banned for four years in March for irregularities in her Athlete Blood Passport. Cherono’s ban is another surprise during a significant tournament for Kenya. Mark Otieno was banned hours before the men’s 100m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
