Kenya’s rising star, Anyango faces setback after failing Doping test

Kenya’s Emmaculate Anyango, the world’s second-fastest woman in the 10km, has been provisionally suspended after failing a doping test, according to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).

The 24-year-old tested positive for testosterone and the banned blood-boosting hormone EPO, which could result in a ban of up to four years.

Anyango, a rising star in Kenyan athletics, claimed silver at the African U20 Championships in 2019 and made headlines by becoming the second Kenyan woman to run 10km in under 29 minutes.

She finished second in Valencia behind compatriot Agnes Jebet Ngetich, who set a world record. Earlier in the year, Anyango won the women’s cross-country race at the Sirikwa Classic, defeating a strong field, including former marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei.

This latest suspension comes as Kenya continues to battle doping in athletics. The country revamped its anti-doping agency following a scandal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

In the last three years, 78 athletes have been sanctioned, with notable cases including the six-year ban of 10km men’s record holder Rhonex Kipruto.

However, there are fears the programme could be undermined after the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya said last month that severe budget cuts had halted tests.