US 1500m champion banned for three years over blood doping

American middle-distance runner Jonah Koech has been handed a three-year ban following a blood doping violation. The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) stated that the breach was identified through 'highly unusual blood values' detected in the athlete's biological passport, a system that monitors blood markers over time to detect indirect evidence of doping. Last year, the 29-year-old caused an upset by winning the 1500m at the US Outdoor Championships, setting a meeting record of 3:30.17 and defeating Ethan Strand and 2024 Olympic champion Cole Hocker. USADA confirmed that Koech has accepted the sanction for the use of a prohibited substance or method. Consequently, his national title has been revoked. All of Koech's results from 30 July 2024—the date his first abnormal blood sample was recorded—onwards have been disqualified, including the forfeiture of all medals, points, and prizes. Blood samples were collected from the athlete on 30 July and 8 August of last year. Koech has not competed since finishing 13th in the 1500m final at the World Championships in Tokyo last September. Born in Kenya, he competed in the US collegiate system from 2015 to 2019 and became eligible to represent the United States in June 2021. He also secured a victory in the 1500m at the Rabat Diamond League meeting in May 2024.