The silver medalist in the 5,000m at the world level from Spain, Mohamed Katir, has been suspended for two years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) following his acknowledgment of breaching anti-doping regulations.
Last week, Katir, aged 25, received a provisional suspension for failing to attend three doping tests within a span of 12 months.
The AIU mandates athletes to regularly update their whereabouts to facilitate unannounced out-of-competition testing.
His suspension is effective until 6 February 2026, rendering him ineligible for participation in the Paris Olympics.
Additionally, he will be unable to compete in the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. Notably, he secured a bronze medal in the 1500m in 2022 and a silver medal in the 5,000m in 2023.
Initially expressing intentions to appeal the provisional suspension, Katir later admitted to the offenses this week. He failed to provide his whereabouts on 28 February, 3 April, and 10 October 2023.
Consequently, his results since 10 October have been invalidated.
“This is a crucial requirement to which all RTP [Registered Testing Pool] athletes must adhere,” said AIU head Brett Clothier.
“Without accurate whereabouts information, anti-doping organisations cannot properly execute no-notice, out-of-competition testing that is the key to catching anyone who is doping and trying to gain an unfair advantage.
“In the lead-up to Paris 2024, to ensure a level playing field, the AIU will execute a comprehensive and intelligence-led out-of-competition testing programme on elite athletes worldwide. Whereabouts compliance will be an essential element of this.
“Elite athletes on the AIU’s RTP are well aware of the importance of whereabouts requirements and receive ample education about it. There is no excuse for committing three whereabouts failures in a 12-month period.”