Another cloud of controversy hangs over Kenyan athletics as celebrated long-distance runner Sheila Chelangat, the Istanbul Half Marathon silver medalist and two-time national cross country champion, has been provisionally suspended for a doping violation.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) issued a notice of allegation to the 27-year-old on May 22, 2025, after she tested positive for Erythropoietin (EPO), a banned substance notoriously used in endurance sports. This makes Chelangat the third Kenyan athlete to face suspension by the AIU this year alone.

Chelangat is the second athlete this week to get in trouble with the Athletics Integrity Unit ,this is after 34-year-old Marathoner Purity Changwony received a 2 years and 3 months banned staring from 28 July 2022 for Presence/Use of Prohibited Substances (19-Norandrosterone, Triamcinolone acetonide)

The news comes as a significant blow, especially given Chelangat’s strong start to 2025, which saw her finish second at the Bank of China Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon in January and secure another silver at the Istanbul Half Marathon in March, narrowly behind compatriot Miriam Chebet.

Her provisional suspension further tarnishes Kenya’s athletics reputation, which has been unfortunately plagued by a series of doping scandals over recent years.

EPO, a hormone naturally produced by the kidneys, enhances athletic performance by stimulating the production of red blood cells, thereby increasing oxygen transport to muscles and reducing recovery time.

While altitude training can naturally elevate EPO levels, synthetic EPO, originally developed to treat anemia, has been widely abused in endurance sports for its significant performance-enhancing effects.

The use of synthetic EPO leads to a higher concentration of red blood cells, vastly improving oxygen delivery to muscles. However, its illicit use carries serious health risks, including increased blood viscosity and potential cardiovascular complications.

ALSO READ: AK,ADAK issue final reminder on mandatory anti-doping tests for Tokyo bound athletes