Sports
Marathoner Wanjiru Banned Until 2023
Kenya’s Daniel Wanjiru, winner of the 2017 London Marathon, has been banned from athletics until 2023 for doping.
Wanjiru was provisionally suspended in April but denied taking a prohibited substkeance and requested a tribunal.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has now confirmed the 28-year-old’s ban, in place until 8 December 2023.
Wanjiru’s management said they are “disappointed” by the decision and will consider an appeal through the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“Our experts have provided a valid explanation for the anomalous blood value and have demonstrated how unlikely and unrealistic the doping scenario, as presented by World Athletics, was,” the statement added.
“We emphasise that no prohibited substance has ever been found and we believe that Daniel is innocent.”
Details published by the AIU state that Wanjiru returned a sample showing levels of red blood cells which had no “physiological explanation”.
He was tested 16 times between April 2017 and 2019. In his 14th test, on 9 March 2019, he showed elevated levels of haemoglobin concentration.
It was concluded that the change in levels between tests could not “be explained by any other cause than blood manipulation”.
The panel said it was “highly likely” a banned substance or method had been used.
Wanjiru won the 2016 Amsterdam Marathon and finished eighth and 11th at the London Marathon in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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