The first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic Marathon Gold medal, Jemima Sumgong, has failed an out-of-competition dope test.
According to reports by the BBC, 32-year old Sumgong tested positive for the banned blood booster EPO after a random test done here in Kenya by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
The IAAF is reported to have confirmed that an anti-doping rule violation case concerning the 2016 Rio Olympic champion had commenced this week.
“The IAAF can confirm that an anti-doping rule violation case concerning Jemima Sumgong (Kenya) has commenced this week, the International Association of Athletics Federations said in a statement.
"The athlete tested positive for EPO (Erythropoietin) following a no-notice test conducted by the IAAF in Kenya.
"This was part of an enhanced IAAF out-of-competition testing program dedicated to elite marathon runners which is supported by the Abbott World Marathon Majors group," the statement read in part.
Sumgong, who is also the reigning London Marathon champion, had defied all odds in Rio to claim a historic gold medal for Kenya and to cap an illustrious career for herself.athlete.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of a four-year ban handed to another stellar marathon champion Rita Jeptoo, who tested positive for EPO in 2014.
Coincidentally, Jeptoo was Sumgong's former training partner and raises questions as to how much Kenya is grappling with the issue of doping.
Sumgong was expected to defend her London Marathon title later in the month, on April 23.
