Shock as another Kenyan athlete is banned for doping
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 23.07.25. | 19:58
Michira admitted the violation and waived her right to a hearing, requesting a reduction in the penalty due to her cooperation
Kenyan long-distance runner Morine Gesare Michira has been banned for two years after testing positive for two prohibited substances, higenamine and octodrine, during an in-competition test at the Milano Marathon held on March 23, 2025.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed the sanction in a decision published on Wednesday, 23 July.
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The 22-year-old’s period of ineligibility begins on June 26, 2025, with all her results from March 23 onwards being disqualified, including any awards or prize money earned.
Michira, whose personal best in the half marathon stands at 1:08:13 from the 2023 Milano Half Marathon, had not yet represented Kenya in any major international competition, but had shown promising potential over the 21-kilometre distance.
According to the AIU’s report, the positive test stemmed from a supplement called CONDEMNED CONVICT High Stim Pre Workout, which Michira purchased in Milan just two days before the race.
She admitted to mixing and consuming the product just before the marathon started.
The supplement contained both higenamine and 2-aminoisoheptane hydrochloride, a synonym for octodrine or dimethylhexylamin, both of which are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Higenamine is classified under WADA's S3 Beta-2 Agonists category and is banned at all times, while octodrine falls under S6B Specified Stimulants and is prohibited in competition.
Both are common in weight loss and pre-workout supplements but pose doping risks to athletes.
Michira admitted the violation and waived her right to a hearing, requesting a reduction in the penalty due to her cooperation and the inadvertent nature of the offense.
However, the AIU declined to shorten the standard two-year sanction, citing no evidence that the substances were ingested with intent to cheat, but also emphasizing the athlete's responsibility for what she consumes.
This is her first anti-doping violation, and unless successfully appealed, the ban will keep her out of competition until June 2027.
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