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800m World Championship bronze medallist tests positive for EPO

Kipyegon Bett of Kenya has tested positive for EPO. The 800m runner now awaits the testing of his 'B' sample, before an infraction can be confirmed

Kipyegon Bett of Kenya has tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO). Bett was the 2017 World Championships bronze medallist in the 800m. According to The Guardian, Athletics Kenya received the news on Thursday that Bett had submitted a positive sample. 

The 800m runner now awaits the testing of his ‘B’ sample, before an infraction can be confirmed. Should the ‘B’ sample return positive, it’s likely that Bett will be banned from the sport for up to four years.  

RELATED: What I learned from the doping control process

This isn’t the first time Bett has made headlines for a doping infraction. On August 15th, the runner was given a provisional suspension after failing to provide a sample for testing. A provisional suspension is given when an athlete’s actions are under review and awaiting a final hearing. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXk3MGxFlUQ/?hl=en&taken-by=mcbride46

Bett competed against Canadian record-holder Brandon McBride in the 2017 World Championship final. Bett finished in 1:45.21 for third, and McBride crossed the line in 1:47.09 for eighth. 

RELATED: Kiprop denies doping accusation

Bett isn’t the only Kenyan runner who has tested positive for banned substances recently. Asbel Kiprop, who won the Olympic title in the 1,500m in 2008 after the winner, Rashid Ramzi of Bahrain was disqualified for failing a drug test, also had a positive sample come back. Kiprop has fervently denied breaking anti-doping rules, claims that there were discrepancies in his out-of-competition testing, and claims his sample was tampered with. 

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