Tanzanian Runner Jackline Sakilu Handed 10-Year Ban for Doping

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has banned Tanzanian marathon runner Jackline Sakilu for 10 years following multiple anti-doping rule violations.

The sanction, effective from September 17, 2025, also disqualifies all of her competitive results since June 29, 2024.

Sakilu tested positive for metabolites of testosterone, including androsterone, etiocholanolone, 5αAdiol and 5βAdiol, in four separate samples collected between June 2024 and August 2025.

The findings were confirmed by WADA-accredited laboratories in Seoul, Paris, and Lausanne.

The athlete initially claimed the results were linked to prescribed medications such as ibuprofen and prednisolone, but the AIU determined that these substances could not explain the adverse findings.

Sakilu later admitted she had no further evidence to provide and acknowledged limited knowledge of anti-doping regulations.

After failing to respond to a formal charge by the February 2026 deadline, Sakilu was deemed to have waived her right to a hearing.

The AIU subsequently imposed the 10-year ban and annulled her results, including performances at the Seoul Marathon in March 2025.