Nigerian Athlete Blessing Solomon Receives Three-Year Doping Ban
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has officially confirmed a three-year suspension for Nigerian long-distance runner Blessing Solomon. This disciplinary action follows a failed drugs test at the Abuja Premium Trust Half Marathon, marking a significant setback for the 28-year-old athlete's career.
Details of the Anti-Doping Violation
In a ruling issued from its Monaco headquarters, the AIU determined that Solomon committed Anti-Doping Rule Violations after Trimetazidine was detected in her urine sample. The sample was collected during the race on December 6, 2025, and coded as 1701980 for laboratory analysis.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory in Lausanne, Switzerland, conducted the analysis and reported an Adverse Analytical Finding on January 20. The AIU confirmed that Solomon did not possess a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the prohibited substance, and no irregularities were found in the testing or laboratory procedures that could account for the positive result.
Procedural Timeline and Athlete Response
Solomon was formally notified of the charge and provisionally suspended on February 5. The AIU classified her violation under Rule 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance) and Rule 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance) of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules.
The athlete responded within the stipulated timeframe, admitting the violation while maintaining she did not know how Trimetazidine entered her system. On February 11, Solomon signed an Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences Form, acknowledging her responsibility in the matter.
Substance Classification and Ban Determination
Trimetazidine is categorized as a non-specified substance under S4 (Hormone and Metabolic Modulators) of the 2025 WADA Prohibited List. This substance is banned at all times, both in and out of competition.
Since Solomon failed to demonstrate that the violation was unintentional, the standard four-year ban was initially applicable. However, due to her early admission of the violation, she received a one-year reduction in the penalty. Consequently, her final ban period is three years, effective from February 5, 2026.
Consequences and Appeal Possibilities
The AIU has disqualified all of Solomon's competitive results from December 6, 2025, including any titles, prizes, or appearance fees earned during that period. This decision is final at the AIU level but remains subject to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport by the athlete herself, WADA, or Nigerian anti-doping authorities.
Blessing Solomon will be ineligible to compete in any athletic events until February 2029, underscoring the rigorous enforcement of global anti-doping regulations and serving as a cautionary example for athletes worldwide.
