The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended Kenyan long-distance runner Judy Jelagat after she tested positive for a banned substance, becoming the third Kenyan athlete in the last month to face a doping allegation.
In a statement, the anti-doping body confirmed that the 26-year-old athlete tested positive for Hydrochlorothiazide, a prohibited substance often used by athletes for rapid weight loss and to mask the presence of other performance-enhancing drugs.
The suspension comes at a time when Jelagat has been enjoying a stellar 2025 season, with three podium finishes in a series of half marathons.
She began the year with a second-place finish at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in the United Arab Emirates, clocking 1:06:34.
This was followed by a victory at the Guadalajara Half Marathon in February with a time of 1:07:45. Jelagat continued her strong performance by finishing third at the Istanbul Half Marathon in April, recording a time of 1:07:47.
Her suspension adds to a growing list of doping cases involving Kenyan athletes. Just last month, world record holder Ruth Chepngetich was provisionally suspended for testing positive for the same substance as Jelagat, while Charles Kipkurui Langat received a two-year ban after a positive test for testosterone.
The latest case highlights the ongoing challenges Kenya faces in its fight against doping and underscores the AIU’s efforts to maintain the integrity of athletics. Jelagat now awaits the outcome of her case as the anti-doping body continues its push to clean up the sport.
