Last week the ITA (International Control Agency) officially banned Ukrainian triathlete Yuliya Yelistratova 5 years after she twice tested positive for EPO (Erythropoietin), the second time just days before competing in her fourth Olympic games in Tokyo.

Yelistratova decided to fight the EPO doping charges leveled at her by the ITA, hoping for one more win.

Unfortunately, hope is not always a good strategy to achieve victory… She lost.

After a lengthy two-year court battle the ITA ruled that Yelistratova committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation due to the presence of EPO in her biological test sample. In addition, the ITA also found her guilty of further “aggravating circumstances” and tacked another year on to her ban, bring it to 5 years total.

EPO is a drug banned at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Its use by athletes is on the rise since it is easy to obtain, fast acting and dramatically improves performance by increasing red blood cell production, which then carries significantly more oxygen to the body’s muscles.

Yelistratova is not allowed to compete or participate in sport in any capacity until 24 July 2026. She has also been disqualified and results nullified from events that took place after testing positive, including 1st place Ukrainian National Championships, 1st place European Cup Dnipro and 22nd place Huatulco World Cup.

Photo Credit: ITA

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