U.S. marathoner Shadrack Biwottwho completed seventh on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and third on the 2018 Boston Marathon, has acquired a four-year suspension after testing constructive for erythropoietin (EPO) in early 2024. Biwott is 40.
Unbiased Arbitrator Imposes 4-12 months Sanction on Observe & Area Athlete Shadrack Biwott for Anti-Doping Rule Violation https://t.co/HCwdplXbir
– Used (@usantidoping) August 27, 2025
The Kenya-born marathoner was examined out of competitors on Jan. 25, 2024, simply days earlier than the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando, Fla., the place he dropped out after 15 miles (24 km). USADA acquired affirmation of his constructive take a look at on Feb. 23, and Biwott was instantly provisionally suspended.
Biwott requested a take a look at of his B pattern, which got here again constructive on March 18, 2024, once more exhibiting the presence of EPO. In accordance with the USADA report, his blood take a look at additionally revealed an hostile analytical discovering. EPO is a banned substance beneath the World Anti-Doping Company (WADA) code, because it boosts endurance efficiency by rising the physique’s oxygen-carrying capability.
The case took almost 18 months to conclude as a result of the arbitrator agreed to delay the listening to whereas Biwott remained provisionally suspended so he may examine the supply of the constructive take a look at. He argued the laboratory evaluation was invalid, however the pattern was reviewed by 4 impartial scientists worldwide, every confirming the identical outcome: Biwott’s pattern was constructive for EPO.
Biwott’s four-year ban is retroactive to Feb. 23, 2024, the date of his provisional suspension. He has additionally been disqualified from all outcomes relationship again to Jan. 25, 2024, together with forfeiture of medals, factors and prize cash. He can be 43 when his suspension is up in 2028.
