The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has charged Lawrence Cherono, the 2019 Chicago Marathon champion, with tampering. Tampering involves an athlete attempting to interfere with or prevent a doping control officer from performing their duties.
This can also include intimidating potential witnesses or providing fraudulent information related to a doping investigation. Additionally, altering information on a sample bottle or adding a foreign substance can be considered tampering.
Cherono, 33, is currently under provisional suspension for the presence and use of the prohibited substance Trimetazidine.
Trimetazidine, an injectable medication, is commonly used to treat heart-related conditions. It aids in the metabolism of fatty acids, facilitating the body’s utilization of oxygen. By promoting increased blood flow to the heart and stabilizing blood pressure, Trimetazidine can alleviate chest pain resulting from blocked blood vessels.
Lawrence Cherono’s athletic career faced a setback when he was charged with tampering by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), relating to the Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Trimetazidine). This charge has resulted in his provisional suspension from competition.
Prior to this incident, Cherono was set to represent Kenya at the World Championships in Oregon, alongside other renowned athletes such as Geoffrey Kamworor and Barnabas Kiptum. Unfortunately, his participation in the event was halted due to the allegations.
His most recent competitive race was the Boston Marathon in April 2022, where he finished second with a time of 2:07:21.
