Tadu Teshome, a rising star in Ethiopian marathoning, has been suspended from competition for 22 months after missing three out-of-competition drug tests within a 12-month span, violating World Athletics’ anti-doping rules.
Why it matters
Teshome, 23, was one of Ethiopia’s most promising distance runners, with a 2:17:36 personal best and strong showings on the international stage. Her absence sidelines one of the nation’s key marathon contenders ahead of the next Olympic cycle.
What happened
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced the suspension on June 3, following a months-long investigation into three whereabouts failures between November 2023 and October 2024.
Athletes in the registered testing pool must provide daily location details, including a one-hour window for drug testing. Missing or failing to update this information three times in a year constitutes a violation.
The AIU outlined Teshome’s failures as follows:
- Nov. 7, 2023: Failed to update travel to South Africa.
- June 24, 2024: Again, no update before racing in Durban.
- Oct. 13, 2024: Missed a scheduled test in Addis Ababa with no explanation.
While she initially indicated plans to fight the charges, Teshome ultimately admitted the violations. Her attorneys withdrew from the case in May, and her coach—who is also her husband—confirmed she would not request a hearing.
By the numbers
- Ban length: 22 months (retroactive to Feb. 5, 2025)
- All results voided: From Oct. 13, 2024, onward
- Next eligible race: December 2026
The bigger picture
Teshome has not tested positive for banned substances. Her case is purely procedural. The AIU acknowledged her athlete representative’s failure to update travel details as a key issue but emphasized that athletes bear ultimate responsibility for compliance.
Language barriers also contributed. Teshome does not speak English and relied on her coach for communication. However, the AIU said this did not excuse the breakdowns, noting the whereabouts system is “central” to anti-doping efforts.
The standard ban for a first whereabouts violation is up to two years. Teshome’s 22-month sanction reflects what the AIU classified as a “high” level of fault.
Zoom out
Whereabouts-related bans have increased as global testing protocols expand. American sprinter Christian Coleman and Bahraini 400m world champion Salwa Eid Naser faced similar suspensions.
Teshome’s suspension removes a top Ethiopian contender from the global marathon scene during a crucial build-up to 2026 and beyond.
