In an astonishing turn of events, French Olympian Ysaora Thibus has been cleared of doping allegations after a positive test result was traced back to kissing her boyfriend. The silver medalist in team foil at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics faced a four-year suspension after testing positive for ostarine, a banned muscle-building substance, in January 2024. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the suspension on July 7, 2025, establishing that the presence of the substance was not intentional.
Thibus’s case gained significant attention when it was revealed that her then-boyfriend, U.S. fencer Race Imboden, had been taking ostarine at the time of the positive drug test. The CAS found that it was scientifically plausible for Thibus to have ingested a sufficient amount of ostarine through kissing, leading to the contamination. The ruling stated that she “bears no fault or negligence” in the matter, dismissing an appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which had sought the four-year suspension.
Despite the controversy, Thibus was able to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics held in Paris, where she finished fifth in the team foil event. The International Fencing Federation’s doping disciplinary tribunal (DDT) found her not liable, allowing her to participate in the Games without restrictions.
Reflecting on her challenging Olympic journey, Thibus took to social media to share her thoughts after the Paris Games. In a heartfelt post, she expressed gratitude for the support she received from her teammates and fans. “This year, I have shown immense courage and unwavering perseverance!” she wrote alongside a picture of herself in front of the iconic Arc de Triomphe. “I have had to fight against injustice, injury, and time!”
Thibus also acknowledged the French national fencing team for their faith in her during such a tumultuous period. “You made the courageous choice to keep me on the team when everything seemed uncertain just days before the competition,” she expressed. “This gesture is the greatest recognition of my career. You proved to me that, in this world of performance, there is also room for humanity.”
The former couple, Thibus and Imboden, have not been seen together since last year, leading to speculation about their relationship status. Imboden was recently inducted into the U.S. Fencing Hall of Fame, adding to his accolades as a prominent athlete.
In addition to Thibus’s story, the 2024 Summer Olympics have been marked by various controversies, including allegations of sexism and other issues that have overshadowed the Games. Nonetheless, Thibus’s experience highlights the complexities athletes face in their careers, especially when it comes to doping regulations and personal relationships.
As Thibus continues her journey in sports, she remains optimistic about the future. “Life is full of uncertainties, but I will never stop aiming high. Hard work, resilience, and hope have brought me to where I am,” she stated. “I am convinced that I still have many beautiful pages to write, in sport and beyond!”
Thibus’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes can face, both on and off the field, and the importance of support from teammates and the sports community. As fans of Hollywood artists and athletes alike, we can appreciate the struggles and triumphs that come with pursuing excellence in any field.