Kenya’s two-time Paris Marathon champion, Paul Lonyangata, has been handed a 19-month ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit after admitting to the use of a prohibited drug.
Fellow Kenyan, Edward Kiprop Kibet, was also banned for three years over the same.
Lonyangata provided an out-of-competition sample on September 21, 2021, that led to an Adverse Analytical Finding for a banned substance. He was informed of the result a month later on October 19, 2021.
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Having been notified, Lonyangata then sent a response to the AIU a week later, admitting to the use of the banned substance.
The drug was said to be part of those included in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of prohibited substances because it can be used by athletes to hide the presence of performance-enhancing drugs in urine.
“Taking into consideration that the athlete promptly admitted the ADRVs upon notification, the period of Ineligibility commences on the date of admission on 26 October 2021 and shall be in effect until, and including, May 25, 2023.
“In accordance with Rule 10.10 of the ADR, the Athlete’s competitive results from 24 September 2021 are disqualified with all resulting consequences, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prize money/prizes.”
In 2017 Lonyangata won his first Paris Marathon title which was historic as it was husband and wife who won both the men and women’s crowns. His wife Purity Rionoripo took the women’s crown.
This comes as three-time World Athletics champion Asbel Kiprop of Kenya made a comeback in early 2022 and was cleared to participate in the 1500m race after serving a four-year ban.
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