AIU Bans Another Kenyan Athlete For Two Years Weeks After Rome Heroics
Brian Kipsang, a promising Kenyan athlete, has received a two-year ban from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for forbidden substances.
On Tuesday, May 6, the anti-doping organization issued a lengthy statement outlining the facts that led to the athlete’s suspension, who just finished on the podium in Rome.
According to the AIU, Kipsang was sanctioned after testing positive for Triamcinolone Acetonide, a medicine used to treat inflammation, irritation, and allergic responses in the body.
In some circumstances, medicine is applied as a lotion to treat specific skin disorders such as eczema and rash.
The AID found that Kipsang submitted a urine sample on March 16, 2025, just hours before the Rome Marathon on March 17.
“On 1 April 2025, the World Anti-Doping Agency (“WADA”) accredited laboratory in Rome, Italy (the “Laboratory”) reported an Adverse Analytical Finding in the Sample based on the presence of Triamcinolone acetonide,” AIU revealed.
Kipsang was then alerted of the results and informed of the potential consequences, which included a possible lengthy suspension.
The AIU has banned Brian Kipsang (Kenya) for 2 years from 1 May 2025 for Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Triamcinolone acetonide). DQ results from 16 March 2025
— Athletics Integrity Unit (@aiu_athletics) May 6, 2025
Details here: https://t.co/GuKJ56LGdA pic.twitter.com/cI0Mv7T651
Under anti-doping regulations, the marathoner could seek a “B” sample to challenge the initial results. Kipsang, however, did not seek a B sample.
Because this was Kipsang’s first infraction of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, the organization imposed a two-year penalty.
If he is proven to have taken the forbidden substances on purpose, his ban may be extended.
Kipsang was in good form at the Rome marathon, finishing on the podium alongside two other Kenyans, Robert Ng’eno and Joshua Kogo.
The pair came in first and third place, respectively. Kipsang finished the race in second place.
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The 30-year-old was awarded Ksh1.1 million for his heroics at the Rome marathon.
It’s uncertain whether his second-place finish will be overturned, especially since he had the banned chemical in his system at the time of the event.
A few weeks ago, another Kenyan marathoner, Brimin Kipkorir, was banned after testing positive for erythropoietin and furosemide.
The AIU has banned Emmanuel Kipchumba Kemboi (Kenya) for 2 years from 7 April 2025 for Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Triamcinolone acetonide). DQ results from 6 October 2024
— Athletics Integrity Unit (@aiu_athletics) April 15, 2025
Details here: https://t.co/OYrmcC4sgF pic.twitter.com/XE9cK3jiJP
Kipkorir notably won the Sydney Marathon in 2024 at 02:06:17, defeating his Ethiopian competitor Chalu Deso Gelmisa and Kenyan Felix Kiptoo.
AIU Bans Another Kenyan Athlete For Two Years Weeks After Rome Heroics
