Doping scandals have repeatedly tarnished the reputation of track and field, with some of the sport’s greatest stars seeing their legacies crumble due to banned substances. From sprint icons to marathon champions, these cases serve as painful reminders of the dark side of athletics. Below are 10 of the most notorious doping scandals in the history of the sport.
1) Ben Johnson (1988 Seoul Olympics)
The Canadian sprinter’s shocking disqualification after his 100m world record victory remains the most infamous case in athletics. His positive test for stanozolol sent global shockwaves and marked a turning point in anti-doping enforcement.
2) Marion Jones (2000 Sydney Olympics)
Once hailed as the face of women’s athletics, Jones later admitted to using steroids tied to the BALCO scandal. She was stripped of her five Olympic medals and served prison time for perjury.
3) Erriyon Knighton (2025)
The rising American star was handed a four-year ban after testing positive for trenbolone. His defense of contaminated meat was dismissed, derailing one of the sport’s brightest young careers.
4) Jemima Sumgong (2017)
Kenya’s first female Olympic marathon champion tested positive for EPO and attempted to cover it up with false medical claims. Her ban was extended to eight years, destroying her career.
5) Asbel Kiprop (2019)
The Olympic and three-time world 1500m champion tested positive for EPO and received a four-year suspension. His downfall shocked Kenyan athletics.
6) Ruth Chepngetich (2025)
The marathon world record holder was provisionally suspended after testing positive for a diuretic and masking agent. The case raised serious questions about her achievements.
7) Mary Decker Slaney (1996)
The American distance legend was banned after an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio, ending her decorated career in controversy.
8) Tim Montgomery (2005)
Linked to the BALCO scandal, Montgomery never failed a test but was banned and stripped of his 100m world record after evidence confirmed doping.
9) Justin Gatlin (2006)
The American sprinter, already banned once, tested positive for testosterone in 2006. His comeback later sparked fierce debate about second chances for dopers.
10) Tyson Gay (2013)
The U.S. 100m record holder tested positive for steroids, receiving a one-year ban. He lost his London 2012 Olympic relay silver medal, further staining American sprinting.
These scandals demonstrate how doping undermines fairness and integrity in athletics. While some athletes returned to competition, their reputations remain permanently scarred.
