Kenyan distance runner James Karanja has been handed a four-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for violating an anti-doping rule.
Karanja tested positive for the use of 9-norandrosterone, 19-noretiocholanolone, and nandrolone, and his results from September 10, 2023, have been disqualified.
Athlete James Karanja handed 4-year ban by AIU – People Daily
— Anti-Doping Database (@Dopinglist) January 27, 2024
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has handed a four-year ban to 32-year-old Kenyan athlete James Karanja Gikunga due to a doping violation.https://t.co/cEUt2DBvd0
The anabolic streroids, 19-norandrosterone and 19-noretiocholanolone are metabolites of 19-nortestosterone (nandrolone) (and 19-norandrostenedione) which are prohibited substances under the WADA 2023 Prohibited List under the category S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS). They are non-specified substances prohibited at all times.
The AIU explained that the athlete failed to respond to any of their messages and therefore he will be banned for four years unless he reaches out and proves that the Anti-Doping Rule Violations were not intentional.
After being provisionally suspended last year, Karanja breached the AIU suspension and competed and won the Tropical Rainforest Run, a trail half-marathon in Tawau Hills, Malaysia.
The AIU makes it clear that during a provisional suspension, an athlete is not permitted to compete as they conduct their investigations.
According to the AIU, Karanja tested positive for the prohibited substance Norandrosterone during an in-competition test at the 2023 Kuching Marathon, where he finished fourth and was eligible for prize money.
