Men's Dublin Marathon 2022 winner and first-place woman from 2015 and '17 test positive for banned substance
Briefly

Allam, 35, won the men's title in Dublin in 2022 while Lehonkova, 41, won the women's in 2015 and 2017. Both athletes were included in the latest pending cases by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), which runs the sport's anti-doping system. The presence of prohibited substances like EPO raises questions about the integrity of the sport and highlights the ongoing battle against doping in athletics. Their scheduled hearings accentuate how doping violations can affect sports credibility.
Dublin Marathon organisers strongly condemn the use of banned substances and uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards such practices. As a World Athletics elite event, they adhere to rules and regulations set forth by the organization. This commitment to anti-doping measures is meant to ensure fair competition and uphold the integrity of the race, supporting lines of accountability for all elite athletes.
The race has a controversial history with doping violations, as seen in 2019 when Othmane El Goumri won despite having returned from a two-year ban for irregularities in his biological passport. The incident emphasizes the challenges in maintaining clean competition in elite athletics. It also draws attention to how past infractions can overshadow current titles and merit.
Stephen Scullion, demoted to second in 2019, expressed feelings of winning inside despite finishing second. He views drug cheats as beyond his control and seeks solace in self-affirmation. Scullion’s perspective reflects the psychological impact of doping allegations on fair competition, illustrating how athletes must navigate not only physical but also emotional challenges in a sport tarnished by cheating.
Read at Irish Independent
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