The International Testing Agency (ITA), leading an independent anti-doping program on behalf of the World Triathlon (TRI), reports that Saudi Arabian triathlete Abdulrahman Alghamdi has been sanctioned with a six-year period of ineligibility after testing positive for several prohibited substances.

The ITA confirms that Abdulrahman Alghamdi has been sanctioned with a six-year period of ineligibility for his ADRV under articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the TRI Anti-Doping Rules (TRI ADR).

As previously reported by the ITA, the athlete tested positive for the prohibited substances boldenone and its metabolite, an anabolic androgenic steroid, and methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (CERA), a peptide hormone, in a sample stemming from an in-competition doping control by the ITA during the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games 2025 in Riyad, Saudi Arabia. Both substances are considered as non-specified substances and are prohibited at all times (in-competition and out-of-competition) under the Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Boldenone is a bulking agent which stimulates muscle growth and assists the recovery after strenuous effort. CERA stimulates erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) and can modify the body’s capacity to transport oxygen and, therefore, increase stamina and performance.

The case was first processed by the ITA on behalf of Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA). In March 2026, the ITA on behalf of ISSA issued a sanctioning decision confirming that the athlete had committed an ADRV for the presence and use of prohibited substances and referred the matter to TRI to determine the applicable consequences under the TRI ADR.

The athlete did not challenge his ADRV and the ITA issued a sanctioning decision pursuant to Article 8.3.3 of the TRI ADR.¹ The period of ineligibility, which was increased to 6 years on the basis of aggravating circumstances,² is effective from 15 January 2026 until 14 January 2032. Additionally, the athlete’s competitive results from 14 November 2025 onwards have been disqualified.

The ITA will not comment further on this case.