Date: June 12, 2026 l By Kimberly White
Ethiopian distance-running star and two-time world champion Gudaf Tsegay has been suspended for four months after testing positive for a prohibited substance, according to a ruling announced by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). The sanction temporarily sidelines one of Ethiopia’s most accomplished athletes and results in the disqualification of her recent competition results.
The AIU said Tsegay tested positive for a metabolite of letrozole, a substance that is prohibited under anti-doping regulations. The 29-year-old athlete stated that the medication had been prescribed to treat a medical condition. However, anti-doping authorities determined that the circumstances did not warrant a retroactive exemption from the rules.
According to the ruling, Tsegay’s period of ineligibility began on June 1 and will run until September 30, 2026. In addition to the suspension, all of her competitive results recorded from December 5, 2025, onward have been annulled.
Tsegay sought a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) in February, arguing that the medication was medically necessary. While anti-doping officials acknowledged that the criteria for a TUE could have been satisfied under certain circumstances, the request for a retroactive exemption was ultimately rejected by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
The suspension represents a significant setback for one of Ethiopia’s most successful track athletes. Tsegay won bronze in the women’s 5,000 meters at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and has earned multiple world titles during a distinguished international career. She has also been recognized as one of the leading performers in women’s middle- and long-distance running over the past decade.
The case highlights the continuing scrutiny faced by elite athletes regarding medication use and anti-doping compliance. Under international regulations, athletes are responsible for ensuring that any treatment they receive complies with anti-doping rules, even when medications are prescribed for legitimate medical purposes.
With the ban extending through September, Tsegay will miss several major competitions during the 2026 athletics season. Her return to competition will be subject to the completion of the suspension period and compliance with all applicable anti-doping requirements.