On Friday the International Testing Agency (ITA) announced Saudi Arabian amateur athlete Abdulrahman Alghamdi has been preliminarily suspended after allegedly testing positive for two substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

According to the ITA, the 38 year-old triathlete returned positive anti-doping test results at the Islamic Solidarity Games on 14 November 2025 for the Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Boldenone, and Mircera Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol-Epoetin Beta (MPG-EPO).

Boldenone stimulates muscle growth and helps the body recover faster after hard workouts. MPG-EPO is a modifield form of Erythropoietin (EPO) that stimulates red blood cell production, which can then increase stamina and performance, particulary for endurance athletes like triathletes and cyclists.

Both substances are prohibited at all times (in-competition and out-of-competition) by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Note: Provisionally suspended athletes are presumed innocent until they have an opportunity to present their case in court and a verdict is issued, but in the meantime they are prohibited from participating in sport in any capacity.

Photo Credit: CSL Vifor

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