Former distance running world champion Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia has been banned for four months until September 30 in connection with a positive doping test, effectively ending her season.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said on Friday that Tsegay tested positive for the banned substance letrozole at an out-of-competition test in December.
Tsegay did not dispute the test result and said she was prescribed the substance to treat a diagnosed medical condition, providing medical documents and evidence.
Based on this, World Athletics granted her a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said this could not be valid retroactively.
Instead, Tseguy, the AIU and WADA agreed on a short four-month ban which came into effect on June 1.
The drug can be used to lower oestrogen levels, but it is mainly used to treat breast cancer.
Tsegay, 29, won 5,000 metres world championship gold in 2022 and the 10,000m title a year later. She also has a 5,000m Olympic bronze from 2021.
Due to the ban she will miss all remaining lucrative Diamond League meets as well as the inaugural Ultimate Championships in mid-September.
