Kenyan-born Bahrain runner Ruth Jebet banned for four years for violating anti-doping rules

2016 Olympic 3000m steeplechase champion Ruth Jebet [COURTESY]

2016 Olympic 3000m steeplechase champion Ruth Jebet has been banned for four years for violating anti-doping rules.

The Kenyan-born Bahraini runner tested positive for blood-booster EPO (Erythroprotein), the Athletics Integrity Unit announced on Wednesday, March 4.

The @WorldAthletics Disciplinary Tribunal has banned #Rio2016 @Olympics gold medalist & former women's 3000m steeplechase world record holder Ruth Jebet of Bahrain for 4 years with effect from 04 Feb 2018.
Read the decision here ??
https://t.co/cBkQOqSHT4#AIUNews #CleanSport pic.twitter.com/VLUDsZjfHW

— Athletics Integrity Unit (@aiu_athletics) March 4, 2020

Jebet’s ban is effective February 4, 2018, the time when she got her provisional suspension.

The 23-year-old, however, is allowed to appeal the four-year suspension if she wants to defend her title in the coming Tokyo Olympics.