In September 2024, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), on behalf of World Athletics, reported multiple anti-doping rule violations against the Kenyan Athlete Emmaculate Anyango Achol after her samples tested positive for 2 prohibited substances.
The Athlete's 3 samples, provided in February, March and in June 2024, tested positive for Testosterone and its metabolites. Moreover a blood sample provided in June 2024 tested positive for Erythropoietin (EPO).
Following notification a provisional suspension was ordered and the Athlete filed a statement in her defence. She accepted the test results and denied the intentional use of the substances.
She could not explain how these prohibited substances had entered her system. With medical documents she demonstrated that she underwent several medical treatments in hospitals in Kenya.
The AIU found that these medical documents could not explain the presence of the substances in her samples. In October 2024, a Notice of Charge was issued and thereupon the Athlete did not respond to the communications of the AIU.
In November 2024 the Athlete only submitted that she had nothing more to say in this matter. Furthermore she failed to sign and submit the Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences Form within the set deadline.
Because the Athlete's failure to respond properly the AIU determined in November 2024 that the Athlete was deemed to have waived her right for a hearing and accepted the consequences. In addition the AIU determines that there are aggravating circumstances present in this case that justify the imposition of a more severe sanction.
Therefore the AIU decides on 22 November 2024, to impose a 6 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 26 September 2024.
