Kenyan athlete Emmaculate Anyango Achol, the world’s second fastest woman over 10km, has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
This after testing positive for banned substances, including Testosterone and Erythropoietin (EPO).
The provisional suspension imposed on Anyango does not imply guilt, as the AIU has emphasised:
“A Provisional Suspension imposed in a non-doping case does not in any way abrogate the presumption of innocence and it is not an early determination of guilt. Rather, it is an order made on a precautionary basis to safeguard the interests of the sport.”
EPO, one of the substances detected in Anyango’s tests, is known to boost red blood cell production, improving oxygen delivery to muscles and thereby enhancing stamina and performance. The AIU’s investigation is ongoing, and further sanctions may follow depending on the outcome.
Anyango made headlines in February when she clocked an extraordinary time of 28:47 in Valencia, Spain, finishing behind her teammate Agnes Ngetich, who posted a World Record 28:46.
The 2019 African Under-20 Championship silver medalist has also enjoyed numerous top finishes globally, including second place at the BAA 5k Road Run in Boston and the 10km race in Bengaluru, India.
Anyango barely missed the Belgrade podium in this year’s World Cross Country Championships. She also secured back-to-back second-place finishes in the 10km in Atlanta and a 15km in New York earlier this year.
