An ultrarunner who took house a serious prize after this yr’s 61 KM OCC at UTMB Mont-Blanc has been disqualified. Joyline Chepngeno, who claimed victory in two high-profile races this yr, has now been stripped of each titles and handed a two-year ban from the world of path working after testing constructive for a banned substance.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) introduced that Chepngeno, a 27-year-old Kenyan, examined constructive for triamcinolone acetonide. The drug is a corticosteroid prohibited by the game’s governing physique.
The outcomes got here from her race earlier this summer season on the Sierre-Zinal on Aug. 9. After that, she went on to win the UTMB OCC occasion. The race is usually thought to be one of many crown jewels of long-distance path working. Nonetheless, the constructive check means Joyline Chepngeno should forfeit each wins. She can also be now going through a two-year suspension and won’t be eligible to compete till 2027.
The disqualification has reshaped UTMB’s OCC standings. China’s Miao Yao is now the official winner. Switzerland’s Judith Wyder and Maude Mathys are shifting into second and third place, respectively.
A Greater Influence
Corticosteroids like triamcinolone assist scale back irritation and may induce emotions of euphoria in athletes. In endurance occasions, they might masks ache and fatigue, offering an unfair edge over rivals. The remedy is simply permitted with prior medical approval.
In Joyline Chepngeno’s case, this violation means she is not allowed to compete within the race sequence, at the very least for now. However the affect of the ruling extends additional than simply her. Officers have additionally banned her coach and working crew, whereas additionally demanding reimbursement for prize cash and administrative bills.
Up to now, she has not issued any public response to the allegations or the choice from the AIU.
What’s your tackle this controversy? Be part of the dialog and share your ideas.