German long-distance runner Sara Benfares ended her athletics career amid doping allegations

German long-distance runner Sara Benfares has ended her career in athletics after allegations of doping and a diagnosis of a serious illness. According to her lawyer Dubravko Mandic, the 22-year-old athlete will no longer compete and the doping case is expected to be closed soon.

Her father, Samir Benfares, previously revealed to French media that she has been diagnosed with bone cancer and will end her career.

The National Anti Doping Agency of Germany said in January that Sara Benfares had tested positive for EPO and testosterone last year. Criminal proceedings were also initiated, as doping is a criminal offense in Germany. Dubravko Mandic clarified that he does not represent Sara Benfares’ sister Sofia, who also tested positive for EPO last year. The sisters grew up near Paris but compete for Germany.

Sara Benfares finished 12th in the 5,000m at the 2022 European Championships and was targeting a place at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her younger sister Sofia was third in the 3,000m last year at the European Youth Championships.