Kenyan marathon runner Lawrence Cherono, aged 35, has been handed a seven-year ban for violating anti-doping regulations.
Cherono tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ), resulting in a four-year suspension. An additional four years were imposed for tampering with the investigation, though this was reduced by one year due to his early admission and acceptance of the penalty.
Initially suspended in July 2022 following the positive test, Cherono attributed it to an injection given by a doctor for stomach pain. He later changed his explanation, claiming confusion with his wife’s medication.
The ban is retroactive to his initial suspension, rendering Cherono ineligible to compete until 2029.
Brett Clothier, Head of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), emphasized that the decision underscores the AIU’s commitment to rigorous anti-doping investigations and sanctions.
