Sports fans woke up to some tough news this week. Maryna Bekh-Romanchuk, a star Ukrainian triple jumper, just got a four-year ban. The Athletics Integrity Unit, or AIU, delivered the ruling on Tuesday. She tested positive for testosterone. This is a big blow for the athlete and the sport.
Bekh-Romanchuk has had a glittering career. She won the European triple jump title in Munich back in 2022. That same final saw Portugal’s Patrícia Mamona finish fifth. Maryna also earned two silver medals at the World Championships. She took second place in Doha in 2019 and again in Eugene in 2023. Her talent was clear to see.
The Ukrainian jumper holds a personal best of 15.02 meters. This incredible jump makes her the 26th best triple jumper in history. She is also one of only 30 women ever to clear the 15-meter mark. Now 30 years old, Bekh-Romanchuk has not competed since the Paris Olympic Games. She finished 11th there. This ban means a long time away from the sport for her.