“Robbed in Boston”, Kiplagat reacts following Kipyogei’s suspension

With the suspension of Diana Kipyogei, the 2021 winner of the Boston Marathon for doping violations, veteran marathoner Edna Kiplagat is expected to be awarded the title, her second in Boston.

Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), the organisers of the marathon, after receiving the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) findings revealed that Kipyogei’s result in the marathon would be disqualified, pending the completion of relevant athlete appeals processes.

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Additionally, B.A.A is set to adjust race rankings and provide prize award adjustments to top finishers of the 2021 event, pending the sanctioning. This would mean that Kiplagat who finished in second place in 2:25:09 will be crowned champion.

In a tweet, Kiplagat expressed her disappointment with the turn of events after Kipyogei’s results were made public, saying that she was robbed off the joy of cutting the tape.

On October 11, Kipyegoi clocked in 2:24:25 to lead a Kenyan 1-2-3-4 podium sweep in Boston. Former world cross country champion Mary Ngugi was third in 2:25:20, Monica Ngige fourth (2:25.32) while Ethiopian Netsanet Gudeta (2:26:09) closed the top five places.

“I also feel extra bad for my friend @KiplagatEdna who was unstoppable that day (sic),” Ngugi tweeted.

AIU said Kipyogei’s sample after winning in October last year had traces of triamcinolone acetonide. It is a glucocorticoid prohibited at races when an athlete does not have permission to use it as a medication.

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“The Boston Athletic Association supports strict anti-doping measures to ensure fair competition and clean sport. Athletes in the professional divisions at the Boston Marathon are tested in accordance with the guidelines set forth by World Athletics, the World Anti-Doping Agency, and the United States Anti-Doping Agency. The B.A.A. is committed to providing a fair environment for competition and supports all measures that ensure the integrity of the sport.

The B.A.A. will adjust race rankings and will provide prize award adjustments to top finishers of the 2021 event, pending the sanctioning,” the organisers’ statement read.