Long distance runner William Kaptein’s historic victory at Cape Town’s Two Oceans Half-Marathon has been overshadowed by a positive cannabis test that may cost him his title and resulted in a doping suspension.
The 32-year-old athlete made headlines earlier this year as the first local winner of the prestigious half marathon race since 1998, crossing the finish line in 64:41 and edging out South African half-marathon champion Bennett Seloyi by just two seconds.
However, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) announced on Monday that Kaptein had received a one-month suspension after an in-competition doping test detected cannabis in his urine sample. The suspension, which has since been completed as of 15 June, will likely result in his victory being erased from the record books.
According to the race-website, the Two Oceans enforces an anti-doping policy in line with WADA and SAIDS standards. While cannabis is legal in South Africa for personal use, elite athletes must comply with anti-doping regulations and understand the rules.
“I never imagined this could happen”
In an emotional Facebook post, Kaptein expressed his shock at the positive test result and provided his account of the events leading to the failed drug test.
“Two nights before my race, I smoked hookah at a party, as I often do in social settings, but I later learned the hookah had been spiked with weed without my knowledge,” Kaptein wrote. “I never imagined something like this could happen.”
The athlete described the experience as a devastating shock and used the platform to warn other athletes about the potential dangers of social situations that could compromise their careers.
“I want to urge everyone involved in sports – especially young athletes – to be extremely cautious,” he continued. “Hookahs can be spiked without your awareness, and it can have devastating effects on everything you’ve worked hard for.”
Anti-doping regulations and reduced sanctions
Under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) 2025 Prohibited List, cannabinoids are banned during competition, meaning athletes cannot have the substance present in their system on race day. While cannabis is legal in South Africa for personal use, elite athletes are expected to comply with strict anti-doping regulations.
Kaptein’s initial three-month sanction was reduced to one month after he completed a SAIDS-administered substance abuse treatment program. This reduction reflects recent changes in WADA’s approach to cannabis violations.
In 2021, WADA revised its code on THC (the active compound in cannabis), allowing for reduced sanctions if athletes can prove their use occurred out of competition and was unrelated to performance enhancement. The policy change came following the high-profile suspension of U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which cost her both her spot at the Games and her U.S. outdoor 100m title.
Cannabis is not considered a performance-enhancing drug, though some athletes use it for perceived benefits in mood regulation and recovery.
Lessons learned and future plans
Kaptein said the experience has taught him to be more “mindful” of his surroundings and has served as a crucial learning experience in his athletic career.
“I’ve learned my lesson and am back in competition now, feeling motivated and ready to move forward,” he stated. “Next year, I’ll be back for that race again, and I will dominate it – I’ll do it in style.”
The athlete emphasised the importance of staying alert to potential risks in social settings, particularly for young athletes who may not fully understand how easily their careers can be jeopardized.
“Be mindful of your surroundings, and avoid situations that could jeopardize your future,” Kaptein advised. “Be careful, stay alert, and protect your health, career, and dreams.”
