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According to a statement by the AIU on Friday, the Kenyan returned an adverse analytical finding for the performance-enhancing drug in a sample taken before her recent victory at the Sydney Marathon.
The AIU decision dated September 17, 2026, says Kiplimo provided an out-of-competition urine sample in Mwaita, Kenya, on July 19, 2026, during testing conducted under the authority of World Athletics and the AIU.
Kandie had initially faced an eight-year suspension, comprising four years for each violation, but received a one-year reduction after admitting the offences early and accepting the sanction. His suspension has been backdated to March 14, 2025, the date of his provisional suspension, and will run until March 13, 2032
According to the AIU, blood samples collected from February 15, 2020, to August 15, 2024, revealed anomalies “highly likely” linked to the use of prohibited substances or methods, with evidence suggesting blood manipulation.
The AIU also made a copy of her cell phone for analysis. According to the AIU, data recovered from the device indicated a "reasonable suspicion" that her positive test may have been intentional. In a second interview, Ruth Chepngetich maintained her position.
Chepngetich made history at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, clocking a world record of 2:09:56—becoming the first woman to run under 2:10.