The three-time Boston Marathon winner spoke in front of the Athletics Kenya (AK) Medical and Anti-Doping Commission yesterday to state her case after her A-sample tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO) prior to her victory at the Chicago Marathon on October 12.

AK informed the athlete her suspension from competition while the doping procedure continues.

"We took her through the defence procedure as per the IAAF [International Association of Athletics Federation] rules," said AK senior vice-president David Okeyo.

"She also requested that further test be performed.

"As at now, she is provisionally suspended from competition as she goes through the procedure.

"That is the standard procedure.

"But that does not mean she has been sanctioned.

"We will discuss the rest after the B sample has been tested."

A report from American site runblogrun had claimed that Jeptoo tested positive at the end of a September for a banned substance in an out-of-competition testing.

She was due to be crowned the world marathon majors (WMM) women's champion in New York on Sunday (November 2) following her back-to-back wins in Boston and Chicago, but this ceremony was postponed following the allegations that she had tested positive.

Rita Jeptoo allegedly failed a drugs test in September just weeks prior to winning the Chicago Marathon on October 12 ©Getty Images


In a statement following the announcement that Jeptoo wished to have her B sample tested, AK outlined the latest development in a saga that has cast aspersions on a country with an established tradition of distance running excellence.

"Athletics Kenya would like to confirm that the Medical and Anti-Doping Commission held its meeting today at the AK Headquarters at Riadha House where the athlete Rita Jeptoo Busienei appeared in person," they explained.

"This meeting was held in the view of establishing the facts surrounding the case against Rita Jeptoo.

"Further to this hearing we would like to inform you of the following: The first hearing was constituted and held on November 4.

"The athlete has been formally notified of the adverse analytical finding.

"The athlete has provided her written explanation for the adverse analytical finding.

"The athlete has expressed her right to have the analysis of the B sample.

"This has been forwarded to the IAAF for further consideration in line with the IAAF rules.

"Owing to the nature of the above subject matter and as guided by the WADA [World Anti-Doping Agency] code and the IAAF rules and regulations, the athlete has certain rights that safeguard her.

"At this early stage therefore, we would like to make it clear that this matter is guided by utmost confidentiality.

"We are happy with our first meeting and the athlete has been cooperative throughout the meeting.

"Upon the expiration of the confidentiality period as guided by the IAAF rules more information will be communicated."

The Rosa Associati management company has already disowned the athlete, claiming they had nothing to do with her involvement in substance abuse, taking a hard-line stance that they will drop her from the stable if she is proved to have been on proscribed drugs.

It is unclear when Jeptoo's B sample will be carried out.

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October 2014: World Marathon Majors postpones award ceremony after Kenyan Rita Jeptoo tests positive for EPO