Shelby Houlihan Wins Silver in Comeback After 4-Year Doping Ban

The U.S. runner reflects on her journey of resilience and looks ahead to future competitions following her return at the World Indoor Championships.

Shelby Houlihan returned to competition after serving a four-year doping suspension and won a silver medal in the 3,000 meters at the 2025 World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.
The suspension stemmed from a positive test for nandrolone, which Houlihan attributed to a contaminated pork burrito; her appeals were ultimately rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
During her suspension, Houlihan trained without sponsorship or races, motivated by a fear of regret if she gave up on her career.
Houlihan described her comeback as emotionally complex, reflecting on the challenges of rebuilding her identity and career after the ban.
She is optimistic about her future, hoping to secure sponsorship and compete in upcoming events, including the World Outdoor Championships in September 2025.