A sub-elite Egyptian marathon runner, Ahmed Saber Mohamed Bakry, has been suspended for 18 months by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) following a optimistic in-competition take a look at for the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone.

Bakry examined optimistic after successful the 2021 Gulf Financial institution 642 Marathon in Kuwait, which he completed in 2:54:47, about half an hour slower than his private finest of two:26, set on the Kuwait Metropolis Marathon in 2017. He was solely examined as a result of he received the race and was eligible for prize cash.

The AIU has banned Ahmed Saber Mohamed Bakry (Egypt) for 18 months, till 27 April 2024, for the Presence of a Prohibited Substance (Dexamethasone). DQ outcomes 20 November 2021 to 19 Might 2023.

Particulars right here: https://t.co/9zxcoRK91K pic.twitter.com/9ME5YSg8Q5

— Athletics Integrity Unit (@aiu_athletics) November 22, 2023

What’s dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone falls underneath the drug class of glucocorticoids and is banned in competitors solely, based on WADA. Meaning if Bakry examined optimistic for it out of, or earlier than, a contest, he wouldn’t be banned. Dexamethasone is usually utilized by long-distance athletes like cyclists and marathon runners when they’re competing at excessive altitudes; it may be used to deal with/forestall altitude illness and can provide the athlete a aggressive edge.

The marathon course in Kuwait Metropolis is low-lying, with the best level solely being 306 metres (1,004 ft) above sea degree.

Bakry’s argument

In response to the AIU, Bakry indicated that he had been prescribed the drug to deal with an harm and had acquired weekly injections for a interval of six weeks, together with an injection on the night of Nov. 19, 2021, lower than 12 hours earlier than the marathon. The AIU reviewed his optimistic take a look at and new info, recommending that he ought to apply for an (r-TUE) retroactive Therapeutic Use Exemption. Bakry utilized, however was finally denied after failing to offer the AIU with a proof as to why he was taking the drug the night time earlier than competing.

Doping to run these instances https://t.co/KpLsw6PcJn pic.twitter.com/0dCjJcL9SH

— Kara Goucher (@karagoucher) November 22, 2023

Bakry argued that the anti-doping rule violation was not intentional, however the AIU mentioned his actions had been a violation of Anti-Doping Rule 2.1: “The presence of a prohibited substance within the athlete’s pattern constitutes an ADRV, and it’s not mandatory for the AIU to display intent, fault, negligence, or figuring out use by the athlete.”

The 38-year-old’s race outcomes from Nov. 20, 2021, to Might 19, 2023, have been disqualified, and he’s required to return his prize cash from his win in Kuwait Metropolis.

New Brunswick half-marathoner receives three-year doping ban

Three extra athletes banned by AIU

Bakry was one in every of 4 athletes suspended by the AIU on Wednesday, together with World Championship and Olympic steeplechase finalist Ethiopia’s Zerfe Wondemagegn (for testosterone), Athlete Refugee Crew steeplechaser Fouad Idbafdil (EPO), and Ugandan 1,500m runner Janat Chemusto (nandrolone).