US 1500m champion Jonah Koech receives three-year ban for blood doping
American middle-distance runner Jonah Koech was handed a three-year suspension after abnormal blood values indicated doping, and his 2025 US title was revoked.
USADA announced that Jonah Koech, the surprise winner of the men’s 1500 metres at the US Outdoor Championships, has been banned for three years after his athlete biological passport revealed highly atypical blood values. The agency said the violation involved the use of a prohibited substance or method, and Koech accepted the sanction. All results achieved on and after 30 July 2025, the date of his first abnormal sample, have been voided, including the meet record of 3:30.17 and any associated medals or prize money.
The 29-year-old, born in Kenya and eligible to represent the United States since June 2021, has not raced since finishing 13th in the 1500 metres final at the World Championships in Tokyo last September. His ban underscores the role of the athlete biological passport in detecting doping without a positive test.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing anti-doping efforts and the consequences for athletes who breach the rules.
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