The 32-year-old IRONMAN star, Imogen Simmonds, faced turmoil on 8 December 2024, when an out-of-competition doping control test put her under scrutiny for anti-doping rule violations. Later in February, she tested positive for trace amounts of Ligandrol, a prohibited compound. But now, she has been officially exonerated by the International Testing Agency, which ruled “no guilt or negligence” in her case. The acquittal prompted a heartfelt message from Simmonds via Instagram. 

In a detailed statement shared on Instagram, the athlete defined her relief as “indescribable.” After all, this outcome definitely helps her move on. She wrote, “At that time, the world I had spent my entire professional career building around me crumbled. The loss of identity I felt and the evaporation of my dignity has caused me a huge amount of pain and turmoil.” She also emphasized the broader implications of her case, warning fellow competitors about the rising risk of contamination in sports. Of course, her focus was selective androgen receptor modulators. And she continues to advocate for clean sport. 

Despite her exoneration, Imogen Simmonds acknowledged the disparity in public perception, noting that “the news of a ‘not guilty’ verdict will not reverberate in the same way as the initial news.” Still, the outcome marks the end of a deeply taxing period for the athlete, who expressed gratitude toward those who supported her. “I wouldn’t be here today without the incredible people who have reached out, stood by me, and believed in me,” she stated. Additionally, she thanked her sponsors for their continued trust.

Looking ahead, the IRONMAN star claimed she intends to take time before deciding on her next steps in the sport. Simmonds wrote, “It feels as if I have spent the past nine months being haunted by this ordeal, and I’m finally able to breathe again.” This period of turbulence has made one thing clear to her – she absolutely loves triathlon. The ITA’s verdict officially clears her record, closing a chapter that tested not only her career but her resilience, too. Now, Simmonds can re-establish her commitment to the sport. 

Before her recent doping case brought unexpected scrutiny, Imogen Simmonds had already carved out a respected place in the world of professional triathlon. Let’s take a look at her career milestones. 

Imogen Simmonds’ records and career milestones before the 9-month-long debacle

Representing Switzerland, the 32-year-old has become known for her balanced strength across all three disciplines and her steady progression on the international stage. Her biggest career highlight to date came at the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupō, New Zealand, where she finished fourth overall with a time of 4:05:12. This result firmly established her among the sport’s top long-course competitors.

Imogen Simmonds’ success didn’t arrive overnight. Her professional record shows consistent performance across the IRONMAN 70.3 circuit and Challenge Family events, marked by determination and adaptability. In 2023, she captured the Challenge Cagnes-sur-Mer title in France, clocking 4:43:03, a commanding victory that showcased her well-rounded endurance and race-day composure. Alongside several other strong top-five finishes, Simmonds has proven herself to be one of Switzerland’s most dependable long-distance triathletes.

Now, with her record cleared by the International Testing Agency following a nine-month investigation, Simmonds can shift her focus back to competition. Her results and resilience suggest that her next chapter may be defined not by controversy, but by a determined return to form. And who knows, she might just win a full-distance IRONMAN next.