Kenyan James Mwangi Wangari, winner of the 2022 Porto Marathon, has been banned for eight years for doping, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Friday.
The 29-year-old marathon runner was caught during the race in Porto on November 6, 2022, with an analysis showing norandrosterone. You will be disqualified from the test and all your results after that date will be declared invalid.
In Porto he crossed the finish line first with 2:08.47 hours, which was the best result of his career.
The punishment will take effect retroactively on December 21, 2022, meaning the suspension will not end until the end of 2030.
The AIU states that the athlete wrote to it to argue that there was no intentional doping and that he had requested a retest, which was not feasible, leading to him being accused of breaching anti-doping laws.
Last February, the athlete requested a hearing and the case was referred to the Sports Arbitration Court (TAS). After a series of meetings with the AIU, it was confirmed that the athlete had committed a rule violation.
The AIU also announced the suspension of two more Kenyans: Joyce Chepkemoi Tele, for 18 months, and Rebecca Jepchirchir Korir, for 24 months.
Source: DN
