Athlete Jeruto Cleared of Blood Doping, but Faces Paris Olympics Hearing for Suspected EPO Usage

Jeruto, a former steeplechase world champion, has been cleared of suspected blood doping by an independent tribunal. However, the Athletics Integrity Unit implicated her in banned blood transfusions and taking the endurance-boosting hormone EPO. Now, Jeruto is facing a doping case hearing in June, just five weeks before the Paris Olympics kick off.

Despite not testing positive for any banned substances, Jeruto’s blood test results in 2020 and 2021 were found to be irregular. She claimed that ulcers and a bout of COVID-19 could explain these abnormalities. An independent tribunal evaluating the case determined that there was sufficient doubt in her defense to clear her of the doping allegations.

However, World Athletics has appealed this ruling by CAS to challenge Jeruto’s clearance of doping charges. Experts testified that Jeruto’s ulcers could have caused internal bleeding, accounting for the irregular blood test results. There was no evidence to support the claim that she had received any transfusions.

Jeruto won gold at the 2022 world championships in Eugene, Oregon but was suspended during an investigation due to her involvement in doping allegations. She went on to become the African champion and win on the Diamond League circuit in 2021. With the Paris Olympics scheduled to take place from August 6-8, there is a possibility of an urgent CAS verdict before the women’s steeplechase event. Jeruto’s eligibility to compete in the Games will likely be determined by the outcome of this hearing in June.