Ethiopian Runner Welteji Banned Over Missed Drug Test

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Diribe Welteji, a top Ethiopian middle-distance runner and silver medalist at the 2023 world championships, has been banned for two years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) due to a missed drug test in 2025. The CAS ruled that Welteji was 'negligent' in failing to comply with the doping test, despite language barriers and technical issues. The ban means Welteji will miss the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

Missed drug tests are a serious issue in professional sports, as they can indicate attempts to avoid detection of banned substances. Welteji's case highlights the strict liability rules that athletes must follow, even in the face of logistical challenges. The suspension will significantly impact her career and Olympic aspirations.

The details

According to CAS, drug testers arrived at Welteji's property in February 2025 and were told by her husband that she was asleep. Witnesses disagreed about what happened after that, but the testers ultimately left without obtaining a sample. CAS accepted that there were language barriers and 'technical and best practice departures,' but ruled that 'an athlete of (Welteji's) caliber and experience should have known that she was required to comply regardless of the timing of the visit.'

• In February 2025, drug testers arrived at Welteji's property.
• In August 2025, an Ethiopian tribunal initially cleared Welteji.
• In September 2025, Welteji was ruled ineligible to compete at the world championships the day before the event.
• In February 2026, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) banned Welteji for two years.
• The two-year ban ends in June 2027, when Welteji will be 25 years old.

What’s next

The two-year ban means Welteji will miss the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, but she could potentially compete in future Olympic Games if she is able to return to top form after serving her suspension.