Colombian Para Athlete Katty Julieth Hurtado Banned Two Years for Anti-Doping Violation

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has handed Colombian Para athletics athlete Katty Julieth Hurtado a two-year ban after she was found guilty of committing an anti-doping rule violation.

The decision follows a hearing before the Independent Anti-Doping Tribunal, which upheld the charges against Hurtado under the IPC Anti-Doping Code.

Positive test in Kobe

Hurtado tested positive for N,N-Dimethylphenethylamine, a stimulant prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2024 Prohibited List, during an in-competition test on 25 May 2024 at the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships.

The substance, classified as a Specified Substance, was detected in a urine sample collected after Hurtado competed in the women’s 400m T38 event.

Tribunal ruling

The IPC provisionally suspended Hurtado in November 2024 while her case was reviewed. She contested the charges and consequences, but the Tribunal concluded that she had provided no valid scientific evidence to explain the presence of the prohibited substance. Furthermore, she failed to demonstrate an absence of fault or negligence.

As a result, the Tribunal imposed a two-year suspension, effective 21 November 2024 through 20 November 2026.

Results disqualified

All of Hurtado’s results from the Kobe 2024 World Championships have been disqualified, including any medals, points, or prizes. Results achieved between 25 May 2024 (the date of her sample collection) and the start of her provisional suspension have also been annulled.

IPC statement on anti-doping

The IPC reinforced its stance on anti-doping, reminding athletes that strict liability applies: athletes are responsible for any prohibited substances found in their samples, regardless of intent.

As a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code, the IPC emphasised its commitment to a doping-free sporting environment, stating that its Anti-Doping Code — aligned with WADA’s international standards — remains central to protecting the integrity of Para sport.