Zerfe Wondemagegn, a prominent Ethiopian runner who made it to the 3,000-meter steeplechase final at the Tokyo Olympics, has been handed a five-year ban for violating anti-doping regulations. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) disclosed that Wondemagegn tested positive for two prohibited substances: testosterone and EPO, a substance known to enhance oxygen transport in athletes’ bloodstreams.
The AIU’s ruling, released on Monday, revealed that Wondemagegn confessed to breaching anti-doping rules after her samples showed traces of the banned substances. Notably, two of the samples were collected during the 2023 world championships in Budapest, where she finished fourth. Consequently, Wondemagegn has been disqualified from the competition.
Despite receiving testimony from a doctor asserting that Wondemagegn had been prescribed EPO to treat severe health conditions, including anemia and kidney infections, the AIU maintained its stance that she had violated anti-doping regulations. The organization also confirmed receiving a signed admission from the athlete.
Wondemagegn’s case adds to a string of doping incidents in long-distance running. Another notable figure, Norah Jeruto, the 2022 world champion in women’s steeplechase, is currently facing a doping hearing scheduled for June, just ahead of the Paris Olympics. Jeruto, who hails from Kenya but competes for Kazakhstan, contests her irregular blood test results, attributing them to ulcers and a previous bout of COVID-19.
In a related development, the AIU announced a three-year ban for Kenyan road runner Celestine Chepchirchir, who tested positive for testosterone.
