In March 2023 the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), on behalf of World Athletics, reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Kenyan Athlete Norah Jeruto because the Athlete’s hematological profile “highly likely” showed that she had used a prohibited substance or a prohibited method: the use of EPO or Blood doping.
This conclusion was based on assessment of blood samples, collected in the period between 20 November 2017 and 2 May 2022 reported in the Athlete’s Biological Passport (ABP). After notification the Athlete filed a statement in her defence an she was heard for the World Athletics Disciplinary Tribunal.
The Athlete explained with evidence that she suffered from bleeding ulcers and anaemia in 2020 and 2021 and underwent several treaments with medication. Further she contracted COVID-19 at the material time and also received treatment and medication for this condition.
In view of the evidence the majority of the Panel is not satisfied that an anti-doping rule violation had been committed even if it had considered the evidence of blood withdrawal was sufficient of itself to constitute Attempted Use.
The Panel is also not satisfied to accept that the ABP abnormalities were consistent with the use of a relatively low dose of EPO. The majority of the Panel is rather persuaded that a bout of COVID-19 had caused the abnormalities in the Athlete's APP at the material time.
Therefore the Panel decides on 27 October 2023 that:
- the charges against the Athlete are dismissed;
- no period of ineligibility is imposed on the Athlete and no results are disqualified;
- the Athlete's provisional suspension is lifted with immediate effect.
