The Athletics Integrity Unit, which oversees anti-doping matters for World Athletics, has imposed a three-year period of ineligibility on Nigerian distance athlete Blessing Solomon after tests detected the banned substance Trimetazidine in her sample.
Trimetazidine is a pharmaceutical treatment used for certain heart conditions, particularly angina, a health issue that can trigger sudden discomfort in the chest, jaw, or back during exertion. The substance was added to the metabolic modulator category by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2014 and remains prohibited at all times, whether an athlete is competing or not.
Information released in an official update on Tuesday indicated that Solomon submitted a doping control sample at the Premium Trust Bank Half Marathon organised in Abuja in December 2025.
“On February 5, 2026, the AIU notified the athlete of the Adverse Analytical Finding in accordance with Article 5.1.2.1 of the ISRM, including that the Adverse Analytical Finding may result in Anti-Doping Rule Violations pursuant to Rule 2.1 ADR and/or Rule 2.2 ADR, and suspended her provisionally. The athlete was also informed of her rights, inter alia, to request the B Sample analysis, to request copies of the laboratory documentation supporting the Adverse Analytical Finding, and to admit the Anti-Doping Rule Violations and potentially benefit from a one-year reduction in the period of ineligibility pursuant to Rule 10.8.1 ADR by February 12, 2026,” the AIU wrote.
The runner did not file an appeal against the allegation, leading authorities to cut the initial four-year sanction down to three years. The disciplinary measure began on February 5, 2026.
The body also directed that all performances she recorded from December 6, 2025, be erased from official records, including any honours, podium finishes, prize money, ranking points, or appearance earnings linked to that period.
During the Abuja road race, Solomon placed second with a time of 1:16:28.69, finishing behind Mercy Jepkemoi of Kenya, who emerged winner after clocking 1:14:53.28.
