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Sub-elite Egyptian marathoner busted for doping after winning race

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

Bakry tested positive after winning the 2021 Gulf Bank 642 Marathon in Kuwait, which he finished in 2:54:47, about half an hour slower than his personal best of 2:26, set at the Kuwait City Marathon in 2017. He was only tested because he won the race and was eligible for prize money.

What is dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone falls under the drug category of glucocorticoids and is banned in competition only, according to WADA. That means if Bakry tested positive for it out of, or before, a competition, he would not be banned. Dexamethasone is commonly used by long-distance athletes like cyclists and marathon runners when they are competing at high altitudes; it can be used to treat/prevent altitude sickness and can give the athlete a competitive edge.

The marathon course in Kuwait City is low-lying, with the highest point only being 306 metres (1,004 ft) above sea level.

Bakry’s argument

According to the AIU, Bakry indicated that he had been prescribed the drug to treat an injury and had received weekly injections for a period of six weeks, including an injection on the evening of Nov. 19, 2021, less than 12 hours before the marathon. The AIU reviewed his positive test and new information, recommending that he should apply for an (r-TUE) retroactive Therapeutic Use Exemption. Bakry applied, but was eventually denied after failing to provide the AIU with an explanation as to why he was taking the drug the night before competing.

Bakry argued that the anti-doping rule violation was not intentional, but the AIU said his actions were a violation of Anti-Doping Rule 2.1: “The presence of a prohibited substance in the athlete’s sample constitutes an ADRV, and it is not necessary for the AIU to demonstrate intent, fault, negligence, or knowing use by the athlete.”

The 38-year-old’s race results from Nov. 20, 2021, to May 19, 2023, have been disqualified, and he is required to return his prize money from his win in Kuwait City.

Three more athletes penalized by AIU

Bakry was one of four athletes issued a period of ineligibility by the AIU on Wednesday. World Championship and Olympic steeplechase finalist Ethiopia’s Zerfe Wondemagegn was provisionally suspended (for testosterone), Athlete Refugee Team steeplechaser Fouad Idbafdil was provisionally suspended (for EPO), and Ugandan 1,500m runner Janat Chemusto issued a four-year ban (for nandrolone).