Jemila Wortesa of Ethiopia has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for testing positive for the red blood cell booster, erythropoietin (EPO).
The 39-year-old distance runner has run a marathon best of 2:28:01 in 2023 at the Rome Marathon.
The AIU announced on August 4. Her suspension begins July 31.
On August 1, the AIU announced the suspension of Indian athlete Madhuri Kale for the presence of mephentermine.
She tested positive in an in-competition test at the Indian Oil WMC Navy Half Marathon on December 8, 2024. Her finish time was approximately 1:35:00. Her result is disqualified.
One has to wonder whether it is worth the shame and embarrassment of testing positive and being banned from running a marathon that is likely slower than 500,000-plus women.
