Tokyo Marathon winner DQ

[LiamRiley]

The Tokyo Marathon is set to take place this Sunday (26th Feb) and while looking at the website I noticed that last year's winner, Tatyana Aryasova, was disqualified last month as she failed her doping test.

http://japanrunningnews.blogspot.com/20 ... tokyo.html

Aryasova was banned for two years for using HES (hydroxyethyl starch) - a substance apparently used for the purpose of concealing blood doping.

I can't remember the last time there was a doping DQ at a Japanese Marathon - in terms of it being the winner of a high profile race, this may be a first. Also, this is the first time I've heard of HES. Have new testing technique been developed to identify it?

[trickstat]

That point about a lack of drugs DQs at Japanese marathons reminds me of the fact I've read a few times (and assume is still true!) that Japan is the top nation in athletics that has never had a case of a notable athlete being disqualified for a doping offence.