Oregon 2022: Kenya’s Lawrence Cherono Suspended After Failed Drugs Test

Kenyan marathoner Lawrence Cherono, who finished fourth in Tokyo Olympics, has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit.

The AIU noted on their official website on Saturday that a charge had been issued against Cherono for use of a prohibited substance.

Under anti-doping rules, the 33-year-old cannot participate in any competition until a hearing has taken place into the allegation.

Cherono was in the United States preparing for the World Athletics Championships that is taking place in Eugene, Oregon.

The 2020 Valencia Marathon champion failed an out-of-competition test taken on May 23.

The sample substance contained positive for trimetazidine, a substance that is prohibited under the 2022 Wada prohibited list as a metabolic modulator.

“Substances in this category modify how the body metabolises fat. Trimetazidine is approved for use in some countries to treat chest pain stemming from a lack of blood supply and oxygen to the heart,” AIU said in a statement.

“Trimetazidine is a non-specified substance, and a provisional suspension is mandatory following an adverse analytical finding for such a substance under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules unless certain conditions apply.”

Cherono was due to race in the Marathon on Sunday, July 17.