Agnes Jeruto Barsosio has been suspended for five years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for an anti-doping violation.

AIU said in a statement that Barsosio used a prohibited blood-boosting chemical, which was captured on the athlete's biological passport--a device meant to detect doping in an athlete's blood system.

PHOTO | COURTESY Agnes Barsosio banned for 5 years

The AIU has provisionally suspended Agness Jeruto Barsosio (Kenya) for the use of a Prohibited Substance/Method – ABP case.


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While the offense has a four-year eligibility period, Barsosio will serve an additional year owing to the nature of the breach, with the suspension beginning on September 6, this year, when the judgment was rendered.

A statement from AIU reads, “The AIU considered that the Passport provided evidence of the Athlete’s Use of a Prohibited Substance (an erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) such as recombinant erythropoietin (EPO)) or a Prohibited Method on multiple occasions, and that aggravating Circumstances were therefore present that justified an increase in the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility of four (4) years, by an additional period of two (2) years based on the seriousness of the violation and the nature of the aggravating circumstances,”

According to AIU, the athlete admitted to violating anti-doping rules, resulting in a one-year decrease in her ineligibility period.

“The Athlete shall, therefore, receive a one (1) year reduction in the asserted period of Ineligibility pursuant to Rule 10.8.1 based on an early admission and acceptance of sanction,” it adds.

Last year,  Jeruto Barsosio won the inaugural Nairobi City Marathon and the Hangzhou Marathon in 2019.

PHOTO | COURTESY Rodgers Kwemoi

Another athlete suspended is Kwemoi, who has also been suspended for using ABP. Kwemoi has competed in a series of 10,000m races in Japan. He opened his season with a 10th place finish 31st at the Kanakuri Memorial Middle- and Long-Distance Invitational Meet.