The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has temporarily suspended Geoffrey Yegon from participating in any athletics competitions after breaching anti-doping rules.
In a statement on Monday evening, the AIU disclosed that Yegon had been suspended for allegedly using a prohibited substance, Triamcinolone acetonide.
"The AIU has provisionally suspended Geoffrey Yegon from Kenya for the presence or use of a prohibited substance, Triamcinolone acetonide," read the statement by the AIU.
"Athletes are responsible for knowing what substances and methods are considered banned on the Prohibited List. Under World Athletics rules, the presence of a prohibited substance in an athlete’s sample, or the use of a prohibited substance or method, constitutes a doping offence."
Triamcinolone acetonide is a drug primarily used to treat various skin conditions. According to the 2014 Prohibited List published by the World Anti-Doping Agency, it is classified as an S9 glucocorticoid.
The drug activates natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. It is a Specified Substance prohibited In-Competition when administered via any injectable, oral, or rectal route.
Meanwhile, Yegon has won only one major race. In December last year, the 37-year-old road runner won the Singapore Half Marathon, finishing in 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 6 seconds.
He has also previously participated in other racing competitions, including a half marathon in the Netherlands in 2016 and a 10km race in Germany in the same year.
Yegon joins a growing list of Kenyan athletes who have been suspended in recent years over doping allegations. His case is pending further investigations by the integrity unit.
His suspension comes barely two months after the AIU slapped Kenyan runner Beatrice Jelagat Cherop with a two-year ban after she tested positive for the banned substance Triamcinolone acetonide.
However, Cherop's confession to using the substance played a significant role in reducing the length of the suspension to two years period with the runner stating that she used the substance unknowingly.
Other notable Kenyans who have also been previously suspended by the global integrity body include Elijah Kipkosgei, Sheila Chebet, Esther Gitahi and Nany Jelaga all of who were suspended last year.
Most of the aforementioned athletes were mainly suspended for using banned substances either triamcinolone acetonide, tramadol, Norandrosterone or Furosemide.
