Mosisa Siyoum received the harshest punishment, an eight-year ban for evidence tampering, while the International Testing Agency (ITA) announced disciplinary measures against four boxers and one other fighter, all for whereabouts failures.
The severe sanction imposed on Siyoum came to light after he tested positive for erythropoietin, a substance that stimulates the production of red blood cells.
A four-year ban is standard for this type of violation. However, if athletes appeal a decision, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) can examine their cases and amend the ruling.
The 26-year-old tested positive on December 13, 2025 during a competition in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) subsequently notified him and held two video conferences in which he was questioned to establish the origin of the substance.
After reviewing the case, the authorities concluded that documents had been tampered with. This was considered an aggravating circumstance, resulting in the ban being increased to eight years.
AIU also announced that 21-year-old Ethiopian distance runner Hunde Lechisa had been provisionally suspended after testing positive for testosterone.
Lechisa admitted the violation, resulting in his period of ineligibility being reduced from four to three years.
The AIU reported that 27-year-old Ethiopian athlete Gelaye Atinkut had received a four-month ban after testing positive for methylprednisolone in an out-of-competition test.
The last was Sofiya Shemsu Chegen, 32, who was also handed a ban after testing positive for methylprednisolone.
Her suspension began on August 27. The Ethiopian’s career has spanned events ranging from middle-distance track races to long-distance road running.- insidethegames
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