Kenyan Runner Chepkwony Found Guilty of Anti-Doping Violation

The World Athletics Disciplinary Tribunal has ruled against Kenyan long-distance runner Hillary Kipchirchir Chepkwony, finding him guilty of an anti-doping rule violation following irregularities in his Athlete Biological Passport (ABP).

The case centered on two blood samples collected in August 2024, which showed abnormal reticulocyte percentages and OFF-scores, indicators consistent with blood manipulation.

A panel of independent experts unanimously concluded that the abnormalities were ‘highly likely’ the result of blood doping, most probably through the use of erythropoietin (EPO).

Chepkwony, 27, denied the charges, arguing that the samples were compromised during transport and storage.

His defense was supported by French pharmacologist Professor Jean-Claude Alvarez, who claimed the samples were invalid.

However, the tribunal dismissed this evidence, criticizing Alvarez’s testimony as ‘irresponsible’ and lacking scientific foundation. In contrast, the tribunal described the Joint Expert Panel’s testimony as ‘reliable and helpful.’

The tribunal noted that Sample 14 had a Blood Stability Score of 64, well below the threshold of 85 that guarantees sample integrity under WADA rules.

‘There was no breach of applicable standards merely because the temperature went below 2°C,’ the ruling stated, rejecting Chepkwony’s claim that transport conditions explained the abnormalities.

World Athletics, represented by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), emphasized that the ABP system is designed to detect doping indirectly by monitoring changes in blood values over time.

The tribunal agreed, citing precedents including the Simona Halep case and USADA v Brinegar, which reinforced the reliability of ABP evidence.

Sanctions against Chepkwony are expected to follow, though details of the suspension period have not yet been announced.