Kenyan-born runner Jonah Koech, who represents the United States in track and field, has been handed a three-year ban after accepting an anti-doping rule violation.
In a statement on Monday, August 10, United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said the 29-year-old athlete, who is based in Colorado Springs, was found to have returned highly unusual blood values in his Athlete Biological Passport (ABP).
"This case is proof that the Athlete Biological Passport can both deter and detect doping. To ensure a fair playing field, every anti-doping organization needs this tool and the resources to use it effectively," USADA CEO Travis Tygart said.
According to USADA, the case was triggered by blood samples taken from Koech on July 30 and August 8, 2025.
The samples were collected immediately before and after he won the 1500-meter race at the 2025 USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships.
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An expert panel unanimously determined that the blood profile shown in the samples was consistent with blood doping.
USADA subsequently collected additional samples from Koech to provide further information for his Athlete Biological Passport.
The expanded blood profile was later reviewed by the ABP expert panel, which reported an Adverse Passport Finding to USADA in February 2026.
Koech accepted a three-year period of ineligibility for the use of a prohibited substance or method that resulted in the Adverse Passport Finding.
The applicable rules prohibit blood manipulation and the use of substances such as Erythropoietin Receptor Agonists (ERAs) and other agents that affect the production of red blood cells.
Elsewhere, President William Ruto has congratulated Kenya's Under-20 athletics team for its strong showing at the World Athletics U20 Championships held in Eugene, United States, where the country secured 11 medals.
In a statement earlier Monday, Ruto said Kenya finished second overall after collecting four gold, three silver and four bronze medals.
"We commend our Under-20 athletics team representing Kenya at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, United States, for a remarkable performance, securing 11 medals - four gold, three silver and four bronze - to finish second overall," he wrote.
Ruto also celebrated the athletes who won gold medals, including Wilson Chepkwech in the 1,500m, Emmanuel Kiprono in the 3,000m, Frankline Kibet in the 5,000m and Josephine Sembeyo Mancha in the women’s 1,500m.
He further recognised David Kapaiko Sekento in the 1,500m, Nehemiah Kipngeno in the 5,000m and Emmanuel Lemiso Someki in the 3,000m steeplechase for securing silver medals.
Ruto also commended Nicholas Kitum Losiwareng, Caren Chepchirchir, Joyline Chepkemoi and Anatasha Cheptoo for winning bronze medals in the 3,000m steeplechase, women’s 1,500m, women’s 5,000m and 3,000m steeplechase respectively.
"We particularly recognise Emmanuel Kiprono for his exceptional performance in the men's 3,000m, setting a championship record of 7:28.28," he added.
Ruto said the performance by the young athletes demonstrated their commitment and determination while highlighting Kenya’s standing in international athletics.
"Your talent, discipline and determination have made our country proud and once again demonstrated Kenya's place among the world's greatest athletics nations," he further said.
