Kenyan long-distance runner Judy Kemboi has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a prohibited substance, which is growing in popularity in the athletics world.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed her suspension on Wednesday, August 6, revealing the athlete had traces of Hydrochlorothiazide in her samples.
“The AIU has provisionally suspended Judy Jelagat Kemboi (Kenya) for the Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Hydrochlorothiazide).” AIU’s statement read.
The suspension was classified as “notice of charge issued”, meaning Kemboi has not been officially banned from athletics activities.
Kemboi, 26, will thus have the opportunity to respond to the charge and provide an explanation or defense.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic commonly used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. In sports, however, its presence in an athlete’s sample raises serious concerns since the substance increases urine production, helping flush out excess water from the body.
Under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations, the substance is banned since it can be used as a masking agent, helping athletes flush out or hide the presence of other banned substances in their system.
Athletes have also been known to use diuretics like Hydrochlorothiazide for rapid weight loss since the substance helps one shed water weight drastically. This is usually done to meet specific weight requirements to enable athletes to compete in specific disciplines.
Notably, world marathon female record holder Ruth Chepngetich tested positive for the same substance on July 17, 10 months after the 30-year-old made history by winning in a world record time of 2:09:57 at the Chicago Marathon in October last year.
Kemboi is a prominent figure in women’s long-distance road racing and had a standout performance over the past year.
In February 2025, she was the champion of the 31st edition of the Guadalajara Electrolit Half Marathon in Mexico.
Months earlier, in May 2024, she also made headlines after smashing the course record at the Rimi Riga Half Marathon, clocking an impressive 1:07:13, beating the previous record set by Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir by 12 seconds.
