Alex Schwazer tests positive for EPO for the third time, says he is innocent but too tired to fight another doping ban

The positive test

On 22 June 2026, Germany's national anti-doping agency (NADA) announced that Italian race walker Alex Schwazer had tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO). The test was carried out after the German road walking championships on 26 April, where Schwazer, now 41, won the race and set an Italian record for the 42 km distance. Traces of the banned substance were found in both urine and blood samples. NADA has provisionally suspended Schwazer and opened a disciplinary procedure that could lead to a lifetime ban.

Schwazer's response

Before the news broke, Schwazer held a press conference via Zoom organised by his manager Giulia Mancini. He wanted to give his version of events first.

“I am innocent. I have not taken EPO and I have not taken any prohibited substances. But this time I will not defend myself any more. I no longer have the strength or energy to do so. I am 41 years old, I have a beautiful family and a job that has nothing to do with sport. They can do what they want.”

Schwazer said he will only request a counter-analysis if a urine sample held by his former coach Sandro Donati is also examined. He added that he probably cannot stay in sport any longer, but that he is at peace with his conscience.

A career of doping scandals

This is the third doping case of Schwazer's career. He won Olympic gold in the 50 km walk at Beijing 2008 and the European 20 km title in 2010. In August 2012, days before the London Olympics, he tested positive for EPO, admitted to buying the substance in a pharmacy in Antalya, Turkey, and received a four-year ban. His relationship with figure skater Carolina Kostner ended amid that scandal. In June 2016, a January test revealed synthetic testosterone. Schwazer denied that charge, fought it through appeals, but was handed an eight-year ban as a repeat offender. The 22 June 2026 announcement falls exactly ten years after his second positive became public.

What is EPO?

Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, increasing oxygen transport to muscles and boosting endurance. It is prohibited in sport and has been tied to cycling, cross-country skiing and triathlon. Its misuse thickens the blood, raising the risk of thrombosis, stroke and heart attack.