Summary
– AIU charges Lawrence Cherono with tampering.
– Provisional suspension in July 2022 for trimetazidine.
– Confirmed tampering charge by AIU.
– Tampering involves interfering with doping procedures.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has made headlines once again, this time charging Lawrence Cherono, renowned as the 2019 Chicago Marathon champion, with tampering. This latest development comes in the wake of Cherono’s provisional suspension back in July 2022, triggered by a positive test for the banned substance trimetazidine.
In a statement issued recently, the AIU confirmed that the two-time Amsterdam Marathon champion now faces charges related to tampering, a serious allegation in the realm of anti-doping regulations. Tampering, as defined by the AIU, encompasses various actions undertaken by an accused athlete aimed at interfering with or obstructing the duties of doping control officers. This can include intimidation of potential witnesses or the provision of falsified information pertinent to investigations into doping infractions.
Specifically, tampering charges may arise from altering information on sample containers, adding foreign substances to samples, or any other actions intended to compromise the integrity of the doping control process. Such allegations cast a shadow over an athlete’s career and reputation, raising questions about their commitment to fair play and adherence to the principles of sportsmanship.
Lawrence Cherono’s journey from a rising star on the Kenyan road racing circuit to a decorated marathon champion has been closely watched by fans and pundits alike. His prowess on the pavement has been undeniable, with victories in prestigious events such as the Chicago and Amsterdam Marathons solidifying his status as one of the sport’s elite competitors.
However, Cherono’s recent suspension and the subsequent tampering charges have cast a pall over his achievements, leaving many to ponder the implications for his career and legacy. The AIU’s decision to pursue these charges underscores the organization’s commitment to upholding the integrity of athletics and preserving the spirit of fair competition.
In the midst of these developments, Cherono’s absence from the road racing scene has been keenly felt by fans and fellow athletes alike. His last competitive outing, the Boston Marathon in April 2022, saw him deliver a commendable performance, finishing second with a time of 2:07:21. Yet, his subsequent suspension and the cloud of uncertainty surrounding his future in the sport have left many wondering what lies ahead for this once-promising star.
As the legal proceedings unfold and the AIU’s investigation progresses, the global athletics community will be watching closely, eager for clarity and resolution in this high-profile case. For now, Lawrence Cherono’s fate hangs in the balance, his once-glistening career tarnished by allegations of misconduct and tampering, leaving a lasting mark on the world of marathon running.
Lawrence Cherono Profile
Lawrence Cherono (born August 7, 1988) is a Kenyan long-distance runner. He is currently the 8th fastest marathon performer of all time with his 2:03:04 clocking at the 2020 Valencia Marathon.
He clocked 2:04:06 to win the Amsterdam Marathon on October 21, 2018. He also won the Amsterdam Marathon in 2017, running a time of 2:05:09, setting the course record, which he broke in 2018.
On 15 April 2019, Cherono won the Boston Marathon with a time of 2:07:57. He out-sprinted two-time Boston winner and World Championship Silver medalist Lelisa Desisa on the final block of Boylston Street.
On 13 October 2019, Cherono won the 2019 Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:05:45. He out-kicked three other runners in the final 200 meters to win the race.
In 2020 Cherono raced the Valencia Marathon, where he placed 2nd in a new personal best time of 2:03:04.
On July 16, 2022, Cherono tested positive for trimetazidine and was suspended just one day before slated to run the marathon at the 2022 World Athletics Championships.
2022 Doping Allegations
On July 16, 2022, Cherono was suspended from major marathons after testing positive for trimetazidine, a heart medication listed on the 2022 World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List as a metabolic modulator and performance-enhancing drug.
On June 12, 2024, the Athletics Integrity Unit announced an additional charge against Cherono of tampering with the anti-doping process.
International competitions
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Notes |
| 2014 | Alger Marathon | Algiers, Algeria | 2nd | 2:10:16 |
| 2015 | Seville Marathon | Seville, Spain | 1st | 2:09:39 |
| Lanzhou International Marathon | Lanzhou, China | 2nd | 2:12:33 | |
| Shanghai Marathon | Shanghai, China | 7th | 2:14:22 | |
| 2016 | Hong Kong Marathon | Hong Kong, China | 2nd | 2:12:14 |
| Prague Marathon | Prague, Czech Republic | 1st | 2:07:24 | |
| Hengshui Lake International Marathon | Hengshui, China | 2nd | 2:11:14 | |
| Honolulu Marathon | Honolulu, United States | 1st | 2:09:39 | |
| 2017 | Rotterdam Marathon | Rotterdam, The Netherlands | 2nd | 2:06:21 |
| Amsterdam Marathon | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 1st | 2:05:09 | |
| Honolulu Marathon | Honolulu, United States | 1st | 2:08:27 CR | |
| 2018 | London Marathon | London, Great Britain | 7th | 2:09:25 |
| Amsterdam Marathon | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 1st | 2:04:06 CR | |
| 2019 | Boston Marathon | Boston, United States | 1st | 2:07:57 |
| Chicago Marathon | Chicago, United States | 1st | 2:05:45 | |
| 2020 | Valencia Marathon | Valencia, Spain | 2nd | 2:03:04 |
| 2021 | Olympic Games | Sapporo, Japan | 4th | 2:10:02 |
| 2022 | Valencia Marathon | Valencia, Spain | 1st | 2:05:11 |
