Kenya’s long-distance prodigy Emmaculate Anyango has joined the list of shame following her provisional suspension for a doping violation.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced Anyango’s provisional suspension on Friday for the presence/use of a prohibited substance (Testosterone and EPO).
It means Anyango will remain suspended until her case is heard and determined and she faces a minimum of a four-year ban if she is found culpable.
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It is a blow to the 24-year-old who was already making waves having been one of the standout athletes in the early months of the 2024 season.
The Sirikwa Classic Cross-country champion was awarded the Sports Personality of the Month award for February by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) after coming close to breaking the world 10km world record in February.
Anyango recorded the second fastest 10km time in history when she clocked 28:47 in Valencia, Spain, improving Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw’s world record (29.14) but unfortunately for her, compatriot Agnes Ngetich won the race in a better time of 28.46.
She would go on to finish fourth at the World Cross-Country Championships in Serbia followed by second place at the BAA 5k Road Run in Boston and in 10km Road in Bengaluru, India.
She, however, missed a place in team Kenya to the Paris Olympics after finishing sixth in the 10,000m trials which was held at the Prefontaine Classic, the Eugene Diamond League in May.
Back-to-back second places finishes would follow in 10km in Atlanta and in 15km in New York in July.
Upcoming long-distance runner Faith Chepkoech is the latest Kenyan athlete to be handed a doping ban after admitting to the use of a banned substance.