After initial denial, Kenya’s Kiprotich admits to anti-doping rule violation, gets three year ban

The Athletics Integrity Unit, AIU, has banned Kenya’s distance runner, Faith Chepchirchir Kiprotich for 3 years from 23 December 2024 for the presence/use of a prohibited substance (Norandrosterone).

The 23-year-old had initially denied the presence/use of a prohibited substance after the AIU issued her a notice of allegation for committing an anti-doping rule violation last December.

Kiprotich, according to the AIU, was also informed of her rights, inter alia, to request the B Sample(s) analysis, to request copies of the laboratory documentation supporting the Adverse analytical findings and to admit the anti-doping rule violations and potentially benefit from a one-year reduction in the period of ineligibility.
2025.

Early this year (January 5th), Kiprotich wrote to the AIU and stated that she did not use the prohibited substance and was given until no later than 9 January 2025 to provide any explanation for the adverse analytical findings.

Kiprotich, according to the AIU, requested an extension of the deadline, which was granted by the AIU until 15 January 2025.

However, on 8 January, Kiprotich wrote to the AIU stating that she accepted that the prohibited substance was found in her samples, but that she could not remember how the substance
entered her body.

The next day, the Kenyan informed the AIU that she accepted the consequences.

The AIU stated that it received an admission of anti-doping rule violations and acceptance of consequences form signed by Kiprotich and dated 9 January 2025.

Therefore, on 23 December 2024, the AIU notified the Athlete of the Adverse Analytical Findings in accordance with Article 5.1.2.1 of the ISRM, including that the Adverse Analytical

Kiprotich, according to the AIU, has received a one year reduction in the asserted period of ineligibility from four years to three based on an early admission and acceptance of sanction.