Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion Ruth Jebet has been given a four-year doping ban.

The 23 year-old from Bahrain tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug EPO (Erythroprotein) in December 2017 in an out-of-competition test. 

The drug improves athletes red blood cell count and in turn helps their oxygen carrying capacity. 

The former 3,000m steeplechase world record holder was suspended in February 2018 but told the Athletics Integrity Unit a month later that she had not taken the drug intentionally. 

But now a disciplinary tribunal has ruled against her and although she is allowed to appeal, she will not be able to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. 

The AIU have confirmed that the ban will begin from her initial suspension and that she will be disqualified for any running results she recorded between December 1, 2017 and February 4, 2018.