Ukrainian Track & Field Star Maryna Bekh‑Romanchuk Suspended for Four Years Over Doping.

Ukrainian Track & Field Star Maryna Bekh‑Romanchuk Suspended for Four Years Over Doping.

 

Ukrainian long jumper and triple jumper Maryna Bekh‑Romanchuk has been handed a four-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for testosterone metabolites in a December 2024 out‑of‑competition urine sample .

Her ineligibility commenced on May 13, 2025, the date she was provisionally suspended . The ban extends until approximately May 2029, effectively ruling her out of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and two upcoming World Championships, raising the possibility that her elite athletic career may be over.

Bekh‑Romanchuk, 30, is one of Ukraine’s most accomplished jumpers—World silver medalist in the long jump (2019) and triple jump (2023), and European triple jump champion (2022) .

Denial and Appeal Intentions

She denies any wrongdoing, attributing the testosterone traces to a medical condition and treatment. The AIU dismissed her explanation . Bekh‑Romanchuk stressed that she refused to sign any documents requiring admission of guilt, asserting her integrity and dignity . She described the situation as emotionally and physically exhausting and announced she’s stepping back from athletics to focus on her health and family, while preparing to file an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) .

Federation Response and Context

The Ukrainian Athletics Federation acknowledged the ban, while emphasizing Bekh‑Romanchuk’s long-standing professionalism and pointing out that previous doping tests—including between September and November 2024—returned clean results. They recognized the damage this ruling could inflict on the athlete’s reputation and Ukrainian athletics as a whole, but reaffirmed their commitment to clean sport, awareness, and athlete education .

Summary Table: Key Details

Aspect Details

Athlete Maryna Bekh‑Romanchuk (long jumper & triple jumper, b. July 1995)

Violation Positive test for testosterone metabolites (Dec 2024 sample)

Start of Ban May 13, 2025 (provisional suspension)

Duration 4 years (until May 2029)

Reason for Ban Length Full sanction granted after refusal to admit guilt—admission could’ve reduced it by one year

Career Impact Likely misses LA 2028 Olympics and two World Championships

Response from Athlete Denies guilt, citing medical condition, refuses to admit guilt, appeal underway

Health & Well‑being Stepping back to focus on family, health; describes mental/emotional toll

Federation Stance Stresses clean sport, previous clean tests, saddened by reputational harm