Jemima Sumgong, who became the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic gold in the Rio marathon event, has tested positive for the banned blood-booster EPO in an out-of-competition test carried out by the IAAF, the sport's governing body said on Thursday.
“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 programme dedicated to elite marathon runners which is supported by the Abbott World Marathon Majors group.”
If Sumgong’s B sample is confirmed as positive and she is subsequently banned it will be a massive blow for African distance powerhouse Kenya.
Sumgong’s Rio victory was greeted with near-delirium in Kenya after such a long and inexplicable barren spell over the classic distance at the Olympics.
Kenya took silver in the women's marathon at the three previous Games and a bronze in 2000, having failed to win a medal before that after the race was introduced to the Games in 1984.
Sumgong, 32, had a stellar 2016, winning the London Marathon in April then claiming the elusive Olympic gold in Rio despite being disturbed by a protester on the course.
Thursday's news comes in the wake of a four-year ban handed to Kenya's multi-marathon champion Rita Jeptoo, Sumgong's former training partner, after she tested positive for EPO in 2014.
Kenya's middle and long distance success has been marred by doping cases involving elite athletes. Officials estimate the number of positive tests at about 50 in the past four years.
(This article has been edited for length.)
Join The Quint on WhatsApp. Type “JOIN” and send to 9910181818.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)