Kenyan long-distance runner Judy Kemboi has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a prohibited substance, which is growing in popularity in the athletics world.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed her suspension on Wednesday, August 6, revealing the athlete had traces of Hydrochlorothiazide in her samples. "The AIU has provisionally suspended Judy Jelagat Kemboi (Kenya) for the Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Hydrochlorothiazide)." AIU's statement read. The suspension was classified as "notice of charge issued", meaning Kemboi has not been officially banned from athletics activities. Half marathon star Judy Kemboi during a past race.
Photo Athletics Illustrated Kemboi, 26, will thus have the opportunity to respond to the charge and provide an explanation or defense. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic commonly used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention.
In sports, however, its presence in an athlete's sample raises serious concerns since the substance increases urine production, helping flush out excess water from the body.
