NAIROBI, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Olympic marathon silver medalist Eunice Kirwa of Bahrain is the latest athlete from Rio 2016 to be suspended for doping violations.
Kirwa, 29, is based in Kenya and is married to coach Joshua Kemei.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said on Wednesday that Kirwa had violated anti-doping rules.
Kirwa is the second elite Kenyan born Bahraini banned after steeplechaser Ruth Jebet. Last month world half marathon record holder Abraham Kiptum was suspended for ABP violation.
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Bahrain had two medals, gold in the 3,000m steeplechase by Ruth Jebet and silver medalist (Eunice Kirwa in marathon).
Now both have failed doping tests since. Kenya's Jemiama Sumgong, who won gold in the marathon, was also banned for doping.
Since December, three Kenyans have been banned for doping violations with Kirwa being fourth, though she now runs for Bahrain.
The others are Cyrus Rutto and Sarah Chepchirchir, who were found culpable for use of a prohibited substance and James Mwangi Wangari, whose blood showed higher testosterone levels.
However, despite the upsurge in cases of Kenyan athletes busted cheating, there have been concerted efforts to curb the vice.
Kenya has over 5,000 elite runners dominating middle and long distance races in Africa and across the world.
The World Marathon Majors (WMM) have poured money into the AIU to improve out-of-competition testing, particularly in East Africa.
