Lazraq-Khlass suspended for whereabouts violation

Auriana Lazraq-Khlass, the French heptathlete, has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for failing to meet anti-doping whereabouts requirements. The AIU’s social media post states that the suspension applies to the athlete’s participation in any competition or activity within athletics until a final decision is made at a hearing under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules.

“The AIU has provisionally suspended Auriana Lazraq Khlass (France) for Whereabouts Failures,” the AIU said in a social media post.

Lazraq-Khlass, who claimed a silver medal at the 2024 European Championships in Rome, faces a potential two-year ban if the allegations hold. The World Anti-Doping Code outlines that an athlete may miss up to three tests and/or filing obligations within a 12-month period without automatic suspension. However, repeated failures could lead to more severe consequences.

In the 2024 Olympics held in Paris, Lazraq-Khlass competed in the heptathlon and finished in 16th place. The provisional suspension means she is barred from continuing in events until the case is resolved. Similar penalties were imposed on Fred Kerley, the former world 100m champion from America, who received a two-year ban for the same type of violation.