Peres Jepchirchir, the reigning world women's marathon champion, has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after a sample returned an adverse analytical finding for erythropoietin (EPO), the AIU has confirmed.
The provisional suspension means Jepchirchir is barred from taking part in competition while the matter is investigated and any adjudication process takes place. The AIU’s declaration of a provisional suspension is not a finding of guilt but a standard step used in anti-doping cases to protect the integrity of competition pending final determination.
EPO is a prohibited performance-enhancing drug that stimulates red blood cell production and can improve endurance performance. It is explicitly banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and testing positive for the substance typically triggers formal disciplinary procedures under the sport’s anti-doping rules.
If the adverse finding is upheld following the investigative and disciplinary process, the athlete may face sanctions that can include disqualification of results and a period of ineligibility. Jepchirchir and her representatives have not been quoted in the AIU notice; further details about the testing chronology and any planned response are expected as the case proceeds.