• ATHLETICS

• Frank Rotich 2 days ago

Coe unhappy with Chepng’etich keeping world marathon record despite doping ban

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has admitted his frustration over Kenyan runner Ruth Chepng’etich retaining the women’s marathon world record, even after she was handed a three-year doping ban.

‎Chepng’etich, 31, was suspended in October after testing positive for a banned diuretic found in medication that was not prescribed to her.

However, her achievements before the positive sample she gave in March 2025 remain valid, including the world record time of 2:09.56 set at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.

‎Speaking while reviewing the athletics year, Coe said legal limits made it impossible to strip Chepng’etich of records set before the failed test.

He said that under current rules, sanctions can only be applied if there is clear proof that doping took place at the time a performance was recorded.

“I’m not a lawyer, but there are legal challenges,” said Coe, a two-time Olympic 1500m champion. “You can only act on a positive test and evidence that a doping offence happened at the time of the performance.”

‎Coe admitted he shares the public’s disappointment over the situation but said World Athletics is guided by legal advice. He noted that it is extremely difficult to reassess past performances without firm proof that they were enhanced by banned substances.

“Yes, there are frustrations, and I share that view,” he said. “But it is very hard to make a retrospective judgment if you cannot absolutely prove that the performance was doping-assisted.”

‎‎The World Athletics boss also said the fight against doping remains a constant challenge, but insisted the sport has changed for the better. He stressed that no athlete or federation is treated differently, regardless of status or influence.

“There is recognition among athletes that there is no fear or favour,” Coe said. “Political power or high profile counts for nothing now. This is a very different landscape.”

‎‎Coe added that the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), which oversees drug testing, continues to work daily to strengthen the fight against cheating in the sport.

“We wake up each day trying to be better,” he said. “We have to go beyond minimum standards and keep pushing higher.”

‎‎Chepng’etich’s case has continued to spark debate within athletics, with many questioning how records should be handled when bans are imposed after historic performances.