Anti-Doping Agency reveals details leading to suspension of top Brazilian athlete caught in Kenya

The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya has detailed how a top Brazilian athlete training in Kenya was nabbed over the use of a prohibited substance before she was suspended.

Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has explained how Brazilian athlete Graziele Zarri was caught cheating in the country before she was provisionally suspended.

Zarri was among five athletes suspended by ADAK over various doping offences last month, the others being Kenyans Samuel Kimani Wanjiru, Panuel Mkungo, Brian Kiptoo and Victor Kiptoo.

The Brazilian was nabbed for using prohibited substances S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS)/Testosterone with tests conducted while she was in the country.

“I confirm that ADAK collected a sample from the athlete on 23rd January 2024,” ADAK’s Head of Legal Services Bildad Rogoncho said in a response to Pulse Sports.

“The sample was transported to and analyzed by a WADA accredited laboratory in Stockholm, Sweden; that is the Doping Control Laboratory - Karolinska University Hospital.

“The Sample tested positive for Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS)/ Pregnanediol, Androsterone, Androstane, Ketoetiocholanolone, Androstanediol, Etiocholanolone, Adilos, Epitestosterone and Testosterone.

“The athlete’s case was then referred to the Brazilian National Anti-Doping Organization for processing.”

ADAK says the athlete had been training in Eldoret when the sample was collected but when contacted, she denied having used the prohibited substance and claimed to have used a supplement acquired in Kenya.

She, however, failed to produce proof of the supplement and could not also recall its name, leaving ADAK with no option but to act.

“The athlete alleged to have bought and used some supplement which are suspected to have been contaminated with the substance found in the athlete's system. This matter is now being dealt with by the Brazilian National Anti-Doping Organization,” added Rogoncho.

Zarri is a long-distance runner who recently won the 5k race in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and had been training in Kenya, alongside her husband Daniel Nascimento, in a bid to make Brazil’s Olympics team.

Nascimento is the South American marathon record holder and the only Brazilian qualified for the marathon at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

posted Friday July 5th
by Joel Omotto