In October 2023 the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), on behalf on World Athletics, reported multipe anti-doping rule violations against the Ethiopian Athlete Zerfe Wondemagegn.
The AIU established that the Athlete's samples, provided in August, in September and in November 2023, tested positive for the prohibited substances Recombinant Erythropoietin (RhEPO) and Testosterone with its metabolites.
Following notification the Athlete timely admitted the violation, waived her right for a hearing, accepted a provisional suspension and the sanction proposed by the AIU.
The Athlete explained with evidence that she underwent medical treatment in a clinic in Ethiopia and that in July 2023 EPO had been administered as treatment for her diagnosed anemia and kidney infection. Yet, she could not explain the presence of Testosterone in her sample.
The AIU deems that the Athlete failed to establish that the violation was not intentional and that there are aggravating circumstances present in this case. Because she had signed and submitted the Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences Form she received a 1 year reduction from the AIU.
Therefore the AIU decides on 19 April 2024 to impose a 5 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 20 October 2023.
