800m World Champion Marina Arzamasova given provisional suspension

The runner who beat Melissa Bishop-Nriagu in the 2015 800m World Championship final has been given a provisional suspension from the AIU

Madeleine Kelly August 27, 2019

Marina Arzamasova, the 2015 800m World Champion, has been given a provisional suspension by the AIU (Athletics Integrity Unit) for violating IAAF anti-doping rules. The Belarusian athlete’s suspension is for Ligandrol, which is reportedly often used in supplements by body builders. It’s designed to build muscle mass with fewer side effects than steroids.

A provisional suspension is when an athlete is suspended temporarily from participating in any competition prior to a final decision at a hearing conducted under the IAAF anti-doping rules.

BEIJING, CHINA - AUGUST 29: Marina Arzamasova of Belarus (C) wins gold in the Women's 800 metres final ahead of Eunice Jepkoech Sum of Kenya (L) and Melissa Bishop of Canada (R) during day eight of the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships Beijing 2015 at Beijing National Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images for IAAF) — BEIJING, CHINA – AUGUST 29: Marina Arzamasova of Belarus (C) wins gold in the Women’s 800 metres final ahead of Eunice Jepkoech Sum of Kenya (L) and Melissa Bishop of Canada (R) during day eight of the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships Beijing 2015 at Beijing National Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images for IAAF)

Canadian 800m record holder Melissa Bishop was second in the 2015 World Championships to Arzamasova. Bishop went on to finish fourth in the Rio Olympics and fifth in the 2017 World Championships.

Arzamasova finished seventh at the Rio Olympics but hasn’t had a significant result since. The runner will have the opportunity to appeal the allegation.

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