Olympic marathon champion Jemima Sumgong has failed an out-of-competition drugs test.
The 32-year-old tested positive for the banned substance EPO in a test by athletics governing body the IAAF.
Sumgong also won the 2016 London marathon and was due to defend her title later this month.
“We can confirm that an anti-doping rule violation case concerning Jemima Sumgong (Kenya) has commenced this week,” the IAAF said in a statement.
“The athlete tested positive for EPO (Erythropoietin) following a no-notice test conducted 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.”
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