Ethiopian Marathoner Zinah Senbeta Banned Three Years for Doping
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has banned Ethiopian marathon runner Zinah Senbeta for three years after confirming the presence and use of prohibited exogenous steroids in her samples.
The sanction, which began on 1 May 2026, follows extensive re-analysis of samples collected in 2023.
Senbeta first provided a urine sample during the 27th Ljubljana Marathon on 22 October 2023.
Initially reported negative, the sample was later re-examined in March 2026 and found to contain metabolites of testosterone and related compounds consistent with exogenous origin.
A second sample collected in Addis Ababa on 24 October 2023 was also re-tested in February 2026, producing identical findings.
The AIU determined that Senbeta had no Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) and that no procedural errors explained the results. She was provisionally suspended on 10 March 2026, but later admitted to competing in the Seoul Marathon on 15 March 2026, in breach of her suspension.
During interviews, Senbeta claimed she had taken over-the-counter painkillers for headaches and knee pain without knowing they might contain testosterone. She denied any intent to cheat, citing limited knowledge of anti-doping rules at the time.
Despite her explanations, the AIU concluded that violations had occurred. On 21 April 2026, Senbeta was formally charged, and on 1 May 2026, she signed an admission of violations and accepted the consequences.
Her results from 22 October 2023 until 1 May 2026 have been disqualified, meaning all competitive performances during that period are annulled.
The three-year ban underscores the AIU’s strict enforcement of anti-doping regulations and highlights the risks athletes face when using unverified medication.
