The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended Kenyan runner Morine Gesare Michira for doping.
The AIU announced on Friday that the 22-year-old athlete faces suspension for the Presence/Use of Prohibited Substances Higenamine and Octodrine, pending the outcome of the disciplinary process.
Morine Gesare Michira made headlines earlier this year when she clinched a memorable victory at the 52nd edition of the Stramilano Half Marathon in Milan, clocking 1:08:47 in challenging rainy conditions.
It marked her third consecutive appearance at the race and the fourth-fastest time of her career. She had set a personal best of 1:08:13 during her runner-up finish at the same event last year.
The AIU indicated that Michira’s case will now proceed through its established disciplinary process, which could result in a suspension if any aggravating factors or repeat violations are confirmed.
The growing list has continued to fuel concerns about the efficacy of existing anti-doping education and monitoring systems in the country. While Kenyan authorities and athletics bodies have ramped up efforts to protect the nation’s celebrated distance-running legacy, such incidents persist, tarnishing its global image.
Meanwhile, the AIU also provisionally suspended India’s women’s 800m national champion Twinkle Chaudhary for the Presence/Use of Methyltestosterone, another prohibited substance. Both athletes await formal hearings to determine their sporting futures.
As the athletics world watches closely, these developments underscore the ongoing challenge of maintaining integrity in elite competition and the urgent need for comprehensive, grassroots-level anti-doping programs globally.