Topline
Elite runner Diana Kipyokei of Kenya was stripped of her 2021 Boston Marathon title and banned from the race for six years for using prohibited substances, the Athletics Integrity Unit announced on Tuesday, as professional sports continue to crack down on doping.
Diana Kipyokei, of Kenya, had her 2021 Boston Marathon win stripped on Tuesday after an … [+]
Key Facts
In a statement, the Athletics Integrity Unit announced bans for two Kenyan elite marathon runners—Kipyokei and Purity Rionoripo—for six years and five years, respectively, for violating the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules.
Following an investigation, the AIU found a prohibited anti-inflammatory called triamcinolone acetonide in a urine sample taken from Kipyokei the day of the Boston Marathon in October, 2021 (which had been delayed from April over Covid-19 precautions)—Kipyokei did not challenge the case.
Triamcinolone acetonide is considered a glucocorticoid—a therapeutic substance used in sports that’s banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Rionoripo, who has won the Paris and Lisbon marathons, was found to have a banned diuretic, furosemide, in her system following a test in May, which she claimed was prescribed to her to treat an ankle injury—an investigation found she had altered her prescription to include the furosemide, according to the AIU.
Both runners, as well as fellow Kenyan runner Betty Wilson Lempus—who was found with triamcinolone acetonide—were charged with tampering with the AIU’s doping investigation.
As a result of Kipyokei’s title being stripped, the Boston Athletic Association, which oversees the Boston Marathon, announced fellow Kenyan runner Edna Kiplagat—the second woman to finish last year’s marathon—has been retroactively named its 2021 women’s winner, making her a two-time champion (2017 and 2021).
Key Background
Kipyokei is the second Boston Marathon winner to be stripped of her title, after 2014 winner Rita Jeptoo—who is also from Kenya—had her win disqualified and was banned for two years after a failed drug test. Elite running and cycling organizations have been cracking down on the use of prohibited performance-enhancing drugs for several decades. One of the most notable cases came in 2012, when former seven-time Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong had his titles stripped following an investigation into his use of banned substances. In 2015, a World Anti-Doping Agency commission accused Russia of sponsoring a national doping program, resulting in the country being banned from Olympic competition for four years. In a statement on Tuesday, the Boston Athletic Association said it supports “strict anti-doping measures to ensure fair competition and clean sport.”
Big Number
$150,000. That’s how much the winner of the Boston Marathon receives in both the men’s and women’s divisions, double the $75,000 prize awarded to the runner-up. The Boston Athletic Association told Forbes Kipyokei will not be receiving the money, which will instead go to Kiplagat.
Further Reading
Diana Kipyokei banned for six years and stripped of 2021 Boston Marathon title (The Guardian)
Diana Kipyokei stripped of Boston Marathon title after doping ban (ESPN)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/12/20/boston-marathon-winner-diana-kipyokei-stripped-of-2021-title-after-doping-probe/