Kenyan half-marathoner Judy Jelagat Kemboi suspended over doping
Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic commonly used to treat conditions such as oedema, is banned as it can be used as a masking agent to hide the presence of other prohibited substances.
Kenyan half-marathon runner Judy Jelagat Kemboi has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) following a positive test for the prohibited substance Hydrochlorothiazide.
The AIU, a Monaco-based body established by World Athletics in 2017 to combat doping and promote integrity in athletics, announced the suspension on Wednesday.
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Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic commonly used to treat conditions such as oedema, is banned as it can be used as a masking agent to hide the presence of other prohibited substances.
Jelagat, 26, emerged as a top competitor in the past two years, with notable performances including winning the Guadalajara Half Marathon in Mexico earlier this year, finishing second at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in February, and securing third place at the Istanbul Half Marathon in April.
Under World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, a provisional suspension is mandatory when an athlete tests positive for a non-specified prohibited substance. This suspension temporarily bars the athlete from participating in any athletics competitions or activities pending a final hearing.
The AIU stresses that this measure is precautionary and does not constitute a determination of guilt.
Her suspension follows those of other notable Kenyan athletes, including 2024 national 10,000m champion Roncer Kipkorir Konga and Milan Half Marathon winner Morine Michira, who were also flagged for doping violations.
Kipkorir was suspended for Testosterone use, while Michira received a two-year ban for using banned substances Higenamine and Octodrine. Marathon world record holder Ruth Chepng’etich was similarly suspended in July after testing positive for Hydrochlorothiazide.
Other athletes sanctioned this year include two-time national cross country champion Sheila Chelangat, world half marathon silver medallist Kibiwott Kandie, and 2024 Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon champion Ronald Kimeli Kurgat.
The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) also handed two-year bans to 2018 world under-20 5,000m champion Edward Zakayo and 2023 world cross country team gold medallist Edinah Jebitok, who will be eligible to compete again in 2026.
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