Kenyan cross-country runner Emmaculate Anyango has been banned for six years after testing positive for banned substances, including testosterone and EPO. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) revealed that Anyango’s samples from four tests conducted between February and June 2024 contained these substances, disqualifying all her results since February.
The 24-year-old runner gained recognition in January 2024 after becoming the second woman to complete a 10km race in under 29 minutes, clocking 28:57 in Valencia. However, her achievements were overshadowed when she was provisionally suspended in October following the doping allegations.
According to the AIU, Anyango’s samples were collected at various competitions, including the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour in Eldoret on 3 February 2024 and subsequent events in Iten and Kericho. Tests conducted at a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) laboratory in Lausanne confirmed the presence of testosterone metabolites and EPO, substances identified as externally sourced.
In her defense, Anyango claimed she had fainted multiple times and received treatment at hospitals in Eldoret, Iten, and Chembulet. She said she could not recall the treatments she received, as she was unconscious during her visits. She provided hospital receipts and X-rays to support her claims but could not prove how the banned substances entered her system.
The AIU noted that despite being given several chances to explain her case, Anyango failed to cooperate fully with the investigation. She attended a video interview on 27 September 2024 but missed the deadline to submit an admission form by 7 November. Her lack of compliance contributed to the length of her ban.
Anyango’s suspension officially began on 26 September 2024, with all her competitive results since February disqualified. While she admitted that the banned substances were in her system, she could not provide a satisfactory explanation for their presence.
This case underscores the AIU’s continued efforts to combat doping and maintain integrity in athletics. Anyango’s ban serves as a reminder of the strict measures in place to uphold fair play in the sport.
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