Mohamed Katir: World 5,000m silver medallist given two-year ban for anti-doping rule violation
- Published
Mohamed Katir finished runner-up to Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the 5,000m final at last year's World Championships
Spain's world 5,000m silver medallist Mohamed Katir has been banned for two years by the Athletics Integrity Unit after admitting to an anti-doping rule violation.
Katir, 25, was provisionally suspended last week after missing three doping tests in 12 months.
The AIU requires athletes to log their whereabouts to assist unannounced out-of-competition tests.
His ban will run until 6 February 2026, ruling him out of the Paris Olympics.
He will also miss the World Championships in Tokyo in 2025, having won bronze in the 1500m in 2022 and silver in the 5,000m in 2023.
Katir initially said he would appeal against his provisional suspension, but this week admitted the offences for failing to provide his whereabouts on 28 February, 3 April and 10 October 2023.
His results since 10 October have been disqualified.
"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."