Ruth Chepng’etich: Why Gabby Thomas is Not Satisfied With World Marathon Record Holder's Doping Ban

Olympic champion Gabby Thomas has weighed in on the three-year doping ban handed to marathon world record holder Ruth Chepng’etich, suggesting that the Kenyan runner did not act alone.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) issued the suspension after Chepng’etich tested positive for a banned substance, sparking widespread discussion within the athletics community. Thomas, a consistent and vocal advocate for clean sport, did not hold back in sharing her perspective.

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Ruth Chepng’etich had established herself as one of the world's premier distance runners. The 31-year-old Kenyan secured a world championship marathon title in Doha in 2019 and won the Chicago Marathon three times (2021, 2022, 2024).

Her most recent victory in Chicago was a monumental achievement, as she shattered the world record with a time of 2:09:56, becoming the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier.

Her impressive resume also includes a world record in the half marathon, set at the 2021 Istanbul Half Marathon with a time of 1:04:02, which still stands as the sixth-fastest in history.

However, Chepng’etich's career was thrown into turmoil following a drug test on March 14. The sample revealed the presence of hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic often used as a masking agent for other performance-enhancing drugs. The concentration found was 3,800 ng/mL, far exceeding the World Anti-Doping Agency's threshold of 20 ng/mL.

Initially, Chepng’etich could not provide an explanation for the positive test when questioned by investigators in April. In a subsequent meeting in July, she claimed to have accidentally taken her housemaid's medication while ill, unaware it contained the prohibited substance. The AIU dismissed her explanation, describing her actions as reckless and demonstrating indirect intent.

While the AIU initially sought a four-year ban, it was reduced to three years after Chepng’etich admitted to the violation. Her records set before March 14, including her stunning 2:09:56 marathon world record, will remain official.

Following the announcement of the ban, Gabby Thomas took to Instagram to voice her skepticism. "🙄 and who else is involved? She didn’t do this alone," she wrote, questioning the scope of the investigation.

Thomas, who won three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has a history of speaking out against doping in track and field. She has previously advocated for lifetime bans for coaches connected to doping violations, arguing that athletes training under such individuals bear a degree of responsibility.

Her recent comment implies a belief that accountability for Chepng’etich's violation should extend to her support staff and coaches. The AIU has confirmed that its investigation is ongoing and will include an analysis of material from Chepng’etich's phone to identify any other potential rule-breakers.