Ruti Aga, an Ethiopian marathon runner, has been suspended for six years following a positive test for the steroid methylprednisolone and subsequent attempts to conceal the violation through false documentation.
The Athletics Integrity Unit determined that Aga tested positive for methylprednisolone, a banned substance, and subsequently submitted a prescription to explain the result. However, the prescription proved to be entirely fabricated. According to the AIU, “Aga attributed her positive test to treatment for a knee injury, submitting a prescription from a clinic that did not exist, issued by a ‘doctor’ who turned out to be a family member with no medical registration with the relevant authority.”
Additional Penalty for Tampering
The discovery of the fraudulent documentation triggered a separate investigation into evidence tampering. The AIU found that the clinic listed on the prescription did not exist, and the medical professional who allegedly issued it was a family member with no medical registration from the relevant health authority. This led to an additional four-year suspension specifically for tampering with evidence.
Combined Sanctions
While the six-year ban for the doping violation represents the primary sanction, the additional four-year penalty for submitting false documentation underscores the severity with which anti-doping authorities treat attempts to obstruct investigations. The combined disciplinary action reflects the Athletics Integrity Unit’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of international athletics competition.
The suspension removes Aga from elite marathon competition during a critical period of her athletic career. Marathon runners typically peak during their late twenties and thirties, making a six-year suspension particularly impactful for an athlete at the height of her competitive years.