Blow to Kenya as marathoner Lawrence Cherono is suspended over doping

Lawrence Cherono, of Kenya, holds the trophy after winning the 123rd Boston Marathon, on Monday, April 15, 2019, in Boston. (AP Photo)

Marathoner Lawrence Cherono has been provisionally suspended, the 2019 Chicago Marathon champion tested positive for a banned Trimetazidine, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has announced. 

Trimetazidine, an injectable drug, is used for treating heart-related conditions like angina. It helps metabolize fatty acids, which helps the body to use oxygen. The drug allows for more blood flow to your heart and limits quick changes in your blood pressure. This can help lessen chest pain from blocked blood vessels and it is on the ban list in athletics. 

The 33-year-old Cherono was scheduled to represent Kenya at the ongoing World Championships in Oregon, the United States alongside Geoffrey Kamworor and Barnabas Kiptum men's marathon on Sunday (4.15pm). 

His suspension comes at the heels of another ban involving high profile runner Botswana's Nijel Amos who was provisionally suspended for testing positive for a banned metabolite earlier this week. 

Cherono is currently the eighth fastest marathon performer of all time with his 2:03:04 clocking at the 2020 Valencia Marathon.

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games men's marathon Cherono placed fourth getting out sprinted by Abdi Nageeye and Bashir Abdi, while Eliud Kipchoge won.

In March, the anti-doping watchdog banned Matthew Kisorio, as well as Justus Kimutai and Morris Gachaga for two years for whereabouts failures.

Kisorio had already served a four-year doping suspension for steroids use in 2012. 

Other Kenyan athletes currently serving the suspension include Mark Otieno, Joyce Chepkirui, Nicholas Kiptoo, Rachel Mutgaa, Vane Nyaboke, Edward Kiprop Kibet, Paul Lonyangata and Tabitha Wambui.