Kandie of Kenya has been banned for seven years for a doping violation | Athletics News

Kibiwott Kandie initially faced an eight-year ban that was split equally between the two parties, but it was reduced by one year.

Former half-marathon world record holder Kibiwott Kandie has been banned for seven years by the ⁠Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for two doping offences, the body said.

The 30-year-old Kenyan, who won a bronze medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, was suspended in March 2025 for refusing to model and was later charged with violating or attempting to control doping.

“This case serves as a reminder that no athlete is above the rules of athletics. If an athlete refuses a test, they put the integrity of the sport at risk,” AIU director Brett Clothier said in a statement Thursday.

“AIU has legal expertise and will thoroughly investigate such cases to ensure that the truth comes out,” he said.

Kandie, who previously faced an eight-year ban split equally for the two offences, received a one-year reduction after agreeing to the penalties early.

His ban has been extended to March 14, 2025, the date he is temporarily suspended, and will continue until March 13, 2032, when he will be 36 years old.

On March 1, 2025, Kandie delayed and ultimately refused an out-of-competition test at her home in Kenya, citing an urgent payment before leaving despite being warned of the consequences.

An AIU analysis of his phone and financial records revealed a number of calls and payments linked to the nurse, with 11 transfers identified in the 12 months before the test, according to the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya.

Kandie’s initial explanation for refusing to provide samples was later found to be false, with Kenyan officials confirming that the documents she provided were false.

Kandie, a three-time Valencia Half Marathon champion, set a world record of 57:32 in 2020 and remains the third fastest person in history over the distance, with two of the six fastest times of all time.