Ninth-fastest marathon runner in history, Tsehay Gemechu, suspended for doping

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One of the biggest names in Ethiopian distance running, 24-year-old Tsehay Gemechu has been suspended for doping.

On Thursday, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) provisionally suspended her for the use of an unidentified prohibited substance. According to the athlete’s biological passport (ABP) there is enough evidence to point to doping.

The AIU has provisionally suspended Tsehay Gemechu (Ethiopia) for the Use of a Prohibited Substance/Method (ABP).

Details here: https://t.co/Y8LF9j2o9f pic.twitter.com/YVyjm6eTYa

— Athletics Integrity Unit (@aiu_athletics) November 30, 2023

In March, Gemechu finished second at the 2023 Tokyo Marathon in the time of 2:16:56 which is the ninth-fastest marathon time in history.

She owns a 10,000m best of 30:19.29 from 2021. As a 20-year-old, she ran a road 10K in 30:15 in Valencia. She was to toe the line with several other NN Running Team athletes much anticipated Valencia Marathon happening Sunday, Dec. 3.

Gemechu represented Ethiopia at the 2020 (2021) Tokyo Olympics in the women’s 10,000m, however, was disqualified for lane infringement. She holds a half marathon best of 65:08, which she set that same year.