Blessing Solomon Accepts AIU Three-Year Ban, Denies Knowingly Using Banned Substance

Nigerian marathon runner Blessing Solomon has accepted a three-year ban from athletics but maintains she has never knowingly taken a prohibited substance.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed that Solomon tested positive for Trimetazidine, a banned performance-enhancing drug, and her suspension runs from 5 February 2026.

According to the AIU, Solomon was notified of the Adverse Analytical Finding and informed of her rights, including the option to request a B sample analysis and access laboratory documentation.

Instead, she chose to admit the Anti-Doping Rule Violation, a decision that could reduce her period of ineligibility by one year.

On 11 February, Solomon wrote to the AIU stating she would not contest the finding but insisted she did not know how Trimetazidine entered her body.

‘I have never knowingly used any prohibited substance to enhance my performance,’ she said in her admission letter, which was published in the AIU’s report.

The 25-year-old returned the signed Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences Form, confirming her suspension until 2029.