Romanian long-distance runner Delvine Relin Meringor, originally from Kenya, has received a three-year doping suspension after failing five out-of-competition tests between October 2022 and August 2023.
The Kenya Anti-Doping Agency confirmed her use of banned substances and suspended her from January 11, 2025, to January 10, 2028.
All Delvine Relin Meringor`s results since October 7, 2022, including her seventh place at the 2024 Paris Olympic marathon and fourth places at the 2023 European Cross Country Championships and 2024 Nagoya Women’s Marathon, have been annulled.
Kenyan Doping Cases Surge, Raising Global Concerns
Delvine Relin Meringor`s case adds to a mounting doping crisis in Kenyan athletics. This year alone, at least six Kenyan athletes, including Esther Birundu Borura and Brian Bushendich, have received multi-year bans for doping violations.
Kenya ranks third globally in track and field doping cases, with nearly 280 athletes banned since 2004, many for the steroid Norandrosterone. The country faces intense scrutiny as doping scandals continue to plague its long-distance running dominance.
Moreover, officials warn that Kenya risks international bans if it fails to curb the problem.
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Despite ongoing anti-doping education and stricter regulations, doping persists, fueled by financial incentives and inadequate oversight.
Kenya’s doping problem extends beyond athletics into sports like boxing and rugby, reflecting systemic challenges. The athletics community calls for stronger measures to protect the integrity of sport and ensure clean competition worldwide.
Delvine Relin Meringor’s suspension highlights the broader doping epidemic threatening athletics, especially in Kenya, a nation once celebrated for its clean dominance in distance running.
Kenyans Already Banned for Anti-Doping Violations This Season
This season, Kenyan athletes have faced a surge in doping bans, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining clean sport.
Notably, Brian Bushendich received a six-year ban after testing positive for 19-norandrosterone at a cross-country event in Eldoret. Esther Birundu Borura and Brenda Chebet also face multi-year suspensions for doping violations involving banned substances like 19-norandrosterone and methasterone.
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Additionally, Brian Kipsang accepted a two-year ban after testing positive for Triamcinolone acetonide during the Rome Marathon.
Several other Kenyan runners, including Sheila Chelangat and Daniel Kinyanjui, have been provisionally suspended.
Moreover, the Delvine Relin Meringor`s case underscores the urgent need for intensified anti-doping efforts to restore trust and fairness in the sport.
