分类： sports

In a significant blow to the world of athletics, Kenyan marathon runner Ruth Chepngetich has been handed a three-year ban after admitting to anti-doping rule violations. The suspension follows her provisional suspension in July 2024, triggered by a positive test for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a banned diuretic often used as a masking agent, on March 14, 2024. Despite the ban, Chepngetich’s prior achievements, including her world record time of 2:09:56 set at the Chicago Marathon in October 2024, remain intact. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) initially sought a four-year ban but reduced it to three years after Chepngetich admitted to the violations. However, the AIU continues to investigate suspicious evidence recovered from her phone, including messages dating back to 2022, which suggest the possibility of intentional doping. Brett Clothier, head of the AIU, emphasized that while the HCTZ case has been resolved, the investigation into other potential violations is ongoing. Chepngetich, the first woman to run a marathon in under 2:10, failed to provide a credible explanation for the positive test during her April interview with the AIU. Her sample showed an HCTZ concentration of 3,800 ng/mL, far exceeding the minimum reporting level of 20 ng/mL. Traces of the substance were also found in a sample collected two weeks earlier. In July, Chepngetich changed her story, claiming she had taken her housemaid’s HCTZ medication after falling ill. The AIU dismissed this explanation as lacking credibility, labeling her actions as ‘recklessness’ under anti-doping rules. Her three-year ban, effective from April 19, 2024, includes the forfeiture of all results, awards, and prize money since March 14. AIU chair David Howman praised the anti-doping system for its effectiveness in uncovering violations, stating, ‘Nobody is above the rules.’

Rayno Nel, a 30-year-old South African, has etched his name in history by becoming the first African to win the World’s Strongest Man title in 2025. His victory, achieved on his debut in the competition, was a remarkable feat that surprised even himself. ‘I didn’t expect to stand on top of that podium this year,’ Nel shared in an interview with BBC World Service. ‘It still feels unreal.’

Nel’s journey to the title is nothing short of extraordinary. After abandoning his dream of playing professional rugby, he transitioned to strongman competitions in 2023. Growing up in Upington, a remote town in Northern Cape province, Nel had limited exposure to the sport. However, his passion for competitive sports and adrenaline-fueled challenges led him to strongman training. Balancing a full-time job as an electrical engineer, Nel dedicated every spare moment to his rigorous training regimen, consuming up to 6,000 calories daily to fuel his 148kg, 191cm frame.

Nicknamed ‘The Rhino from South Africa,’ Nel’s physical prowess and mental fortitude were on full display during the competition. In the final held in Sacramento, California, he narrowly edged out three-time champion Tom Stoltman of Great Britain by half a point. Nel’s performance included a staggering 490kg deadlift and a strong showing in the Flintstone Press, despite a nerve-wracking moment where his lead was nearly erased. The final event, the Atlas Stones, saw Nel secure third place, clinching the overall victory by the slimmest of margins.

Nel’s triumph has not only brought pride to his homeland but also highlighted the potential for strongman competitions in Africa. He hopes to bring the World’s Strongest Man event back to the continent, emphasizing its rich heritage in southern Africa. As he looks to the future, Nel aims to defend his title and continue inspiring others with his story of perseverance and dedication.

In a thrilling display of resilience, South Africa clinched an eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test at Rawalpindi, leveling the series 1-1. This triumph marks South Africa’s first win in Pakistan since October 2007, ending an 18-year drought in the country. The Proteas, reigning world champions, showcased their mettle after a 93-run defeat in the first Test, which had halted their impressive 10-Test winning streak. Pakistan, resuming their second innings at 94-4 with a slender 23-run lead, faltered dramatically on the fourth morning, collapsing to 138 all out. Simon Harmer, the Essex off-spinner, was instrumental in the collapse, claiming 6-50, including his 1,000th first-class wicket. South Africa chased down the modest target of 68 in just 12 overs, despite losing Aiden Markram for 42 and Tristan Stubbs for a duck. The foundation for South Africa’s victory was laid in the first innings, where they posted 404, thanks to a crucial 71-run partnership for the last two wickets. Senuran Muthusamy’s unbeaten 89 and Kagiso Rabada’s career-best 71 were pivotal in securing a 71-run lead. Captain Aiden Markram praised his team’s character and resilience, emphasizing the significance of the win in testing conditions. Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, defended his team’s strategy of preparing turning pitches, citing four wins out of six Tests since adopting this approach. Despite the loss, Masood remained optimistic, highlighting the team’s potential to dominate if they capitalize on winning positions.