Brian Kipsang: 3 Reasons Why Rome Marathon Silver Medalist Was Banned from Athletics Until 2027

Gold medalist Asbel Rutto (C), silver medalist Brian Kipsang (L) and bronze medalist Sila Kiptoo of Kenya celebrate after Run Rome the Marathon in Rome, Italy, March 17, 2024.IMAGE/Imago

Brian Kipsang: 3 Reasons Why Rome Marathon Silver Medalist Was Banned from Athletics Until 2027

Festus Chuma 17:19 - 06.05.2025

Kipsang has been suspended following a doping investigation, with key decisions and admissions leading to a significant athletic consequence.

On Tuesday afternoon, Kenyan athlete Brian Kipsang was handed a two-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for a prohibited substance, Triamcinolone acetonide, during an in-competition test in Rome, Italy, on March 16, 2025.

The decision, officially announced on May 5, 2025, follows Kipsang’s admission of violating anti-doping rules.

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According to a statement made by AIU result, all his results, medals, points, and appearance fees from March 16, 2025, have been disqualified.

The 30-year-old road runner is now barred from competing in any event under World Athletics until May 1, 2027.

Pulse Sports looks at three key reasons behind Kipsang’s suspension:

3. Use of a Prohibited Substance Without a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)

The central reason for Kipsang’s suspension is the detection of Triamcinolone acetonide in his urine sample. This glucocorticoid, while used medically to treat inflammation, is classified under WADA’s 2025 Prohibited List and is banned in-competition when administered through injectable, oral, or rectal routes—unless an athlete has an approved Therapeutic Use Exemption.

Reasons Why Rome Marathon Silver Medalist Was Banned from Athletics Until 2027

According to the AIU, Kipsang did not possess a valid TUE at the time of testing.

Triamcinolone acetonide is considered a Specified Substance, meaning its presence in an athlete’s body could result in a lighter sanction if the use was not deemed intentional.

However, strict liability applies, and the burden rests on the athlete to ensure no banned substance enters their system.

2. Failure to Request a B Sample Analysis

After being notified of the Adverse Analytical Finding by the AIU on April 9, 2025, Kipsang failed to request a B sample analysis within the required timeframe.

Brian Kipsang: 3 Reasons Why Rome Marathon Silver Medalist Was Banned from Athletics Until 2027
Gold medalist Asbel Rutto (C), silver medalist Brian Kipsang (L) and bronze medalist Sila Kiptoo of Kenya celebrate after Run Rome the Marathon in Rome, Italy, March 17, 2024.

Athletes have the right to request a second analysis (B sample) to confirm or refute the findings of the initial (A sample) test. By waiving this right, Kipsang essentially accepted the accuracy of the lab’s findings, further solidifying the case against him.

This lack of action led the AIU to proceed with sanctioning him based on the original sample, which tested positive for the banned glucocorticoid.

1. Admission of Violation and Acceptance of Sanction

Rather than contesting the charges or requesting a disciplinary hearing, Kipsang signed and submitted an Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences Form to the AIU on May 1, 2025.

Brian Kipsang: 3 Reasons Why Rome Marathon Silver Medalist Was Banned from Athletics Until 2027
Asbel Rutto (C) is joined at the podium by Brian Kipsang and Sila Kiptoo after winning the Rome Marathon on Sunday.

By doing so, he avoided a drawn-out legal process but also confirmed his acceptance of the two-year ban and associated penalties, including disqualification of results.

While the AIU found no evidence to suggest that Kipsang’s violation was intentional—which spared him a maximum four-year ban—the strict rules of the sport meant that even unintentional use carried a mandatory two-year penalty.

The case once again highlights the dangers athletes face when consuming unregulated supplements or medications without proper guidance.

Kipsang’s suspension adds to growing concerns over doping in Kenyan athletics, a nation already under heightened scrutiny due to a series of high-profile violations in recent years.