Brazilian Marathon Star Daniel Do Nascimento Banned for Steroid Use Ahead of Paris Olympics

[MuscleMecca Crew]

Daniel Do Nascimento’s Career Plunges Amid Steroid Scandal​

Daniel Do Nascimento, once hailed as South America’s fastest marathon runner, has received a five-year ban following a doping violation just weeks before the 2024 Paris Olympics. At 26, the Brazilian athlete has been sidelined from international competition until July 2029, effectively ruling him out of both the Paris and Los Angeles Olympic Games.


Maratonista Daniel Nascimento é pego no doping e está fora dos Jogos Olímpicos

Substances Detected in Doping Samples​

According to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), two separate samples taken in July 2023 during a training camp in Rio de Janeiro tested positive for:

• Metenolone: An anabolic steroid commonly used for muscle growth and endurance.
• Drostanolone: Known for increasing strength and cutting body fat.
• Nandrolone: A performance-enhancing steroid linked to increased red blood cell production and stamina.

Both samples showed Metenolone and Drostanolone, while Nandrolone was found in one.

AIU Ruling and Sanction Details​

The AIU concluded that Do Nascimento’s case involved “clear evidence of the athlete’s use of multiple prohibited substances.” While the maximum penalty could have reached six years, the ban was reduced to five due to his full admission and cooperation with investigators.

Career Highlights Before the Fall​

• Seoul Marathon 2022: Clocked 2:04:51, the fastest marathon time in South American history.
• World Athletics Championships 2022: Finished eighth, competing among the global elite.
• New York Marathon 2022: Made headlines after leading for over 20 miles before collapsing.

Despite his short-lived fame, this doping scandal marks a significant setback, not only for Do Nascimento but also for Brazil’s reputation in distance running.

Impact on South American Athletics and Olympic Integrity​

Do Nascimento’s ban raises critical questions about doping control in long-distance running within South America and the broader integrity of Olympic qualifiers. His case is the latest in a string of high-profile doping incidents as athletics faces mounting pressure to ensure clean sport heading into Paris 2024.

Broader Context: Doping in Marathon Running​

Steroid use in marathon events is particularly controversial due to the emphasis on cardiovascular endurance and recovery. The substances found in Do Nascimento’s system are typically associated with:

• Enhanced oxygen-carrying capacity
• Delayed fatigue during extended efforts
• Accelerated recovery from intense training

This highlights the ongoing challenge faced by anti-doping agencies in detecting and deterring performance-enhancing drug (PED) use in endurance disciplines.

Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Trust in the Sport​

With Do Nascimento out of contention for two Olympic cycles, the focus now shifts to Brazil’s upcoming marathon prospects. The Brazilian Athletics Federation is expected to implement stricter internal testing protocols and reevaluate their Olympic qualification standards.