Ukrainian track and field star Maryna Bekh-Romanchuk has been handed a four-year ban after testing positive for metabolites of testosterone, according to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
The 30-year-old, who has competed in three Olympic Games and won World Championship silver medals in both long jump and triple jump, returned a positive result from a test conducted on December 7, 2023.
The AIU announced that Bekh-Romanchuk had until August 10 to admit to the violation, which could have reduced her suspension by one year. However, she denied doping, insisting her elevated testosterone levels were linked to a medical condition and treatment.
Despite her claims, the AIU stated she failed to provide sufficient proof to support her defense. The Ukrainian athlete now has the option to appeal the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
This ban could mark the end of her elite career, with Bekh-Romanchuk set to miss Los Angeles 2028 and two World Championships, as her suspension will not expire until May 2029. She placed 11th in the triple jump final at the Paris 2024 Olympics but may never return to the global stage.
Outside of athletics, Bekh-Romanchuk is also a model and influencer, boasting nearly 500,000 Instagram followers. She has worked with top Ukrainian brands such as Domino Group, Trihard, and Fabric 17.
Earlier this year, she marked her seventh wedding anniversary with her husband, swimmer Mykhailo Romanchuk.
In a statement shared on social media, the athlete expressed her frustration, saying:
“It’s incredibly exhausting, firstly emotionally and has an impact on my health. Sometimes it’s important to take a break and get your priorities right. That’s why I decided to take a break to focus on my family and my own health.
Soon the decision of the Athletics Integrity Unit will be published, with which I strongly disagree. I refused to sign any documents that required recognition of my guilt, because I am an honest person and my humanity and dignity are important to me.
It pains me that my case has been handled carelessly and not conducted the necessary investigation.”
With her ban in place until 2029, the Moroziv-born star may now shift her focus away from athletics and build on her growing career as a model and influencer.