Turkey’s chances of hosting the 2020 Olympics have been dealt a serious blow with a widespread doping scandal. Dozens of athletes are expected to be confirmed as having tested positive for banned substances after the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) “intensified” its anti-doping efforts within Turkey this year, with particular scrutiny at the Mediterranean Games last month.
The spate of positive tests comes after “abnormalities” were recorded in the blood biological passport of the Olympic 1,500m champion Cakir Alptekin, who may face a life ban from athletics after being suspended in May.
Commenting on the Alptekin case in March this year, after the 27-year-old won gold at the London Games last year, an IAAF spokesman said: “We have seen big abnormalities and it is not the only case from Turkey. More are coming.”
If the IAAF confirms the positive cases before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decides which city will host the 2020 Games in September, then it will be extremely damaging for Istanbul, which is vying with Tokyo and Madrid to stage the event. Another high-profile Turkish athlete who has tested positive for a banned substance is two-time European 100m hurdle champion Nevin Yanit.
However, despite eight Turkish athletes reportedly failing tests at last month’s European Team Championships in Gateshead, the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Turkey insists there is a zero-tolerance approach to doping in the country and the new cases will be resolved “quickly and decisively.”
“The NOC of Turkey and the Turkish government have a zero-tolerance policy on doping in sport and therefore we have been cooperating fully with all relevant investigations to resolve these cases as quickly and decisively as possible,” a spokesman said. “The recent doping discoveries have been fully assisted by the Turkish National Anti-doping Agency, who have been working closely with the IAAF and World Anti-doping Agency. The Turkish Anti-Doping Agency is wholly compliant with WADA and is dramatically stepping up its fight against drug cheats. Any athletes found guilty of using banned substances will be punished to the full extent of Turkey’s comprehensive anti-doping legislation, other laws and in accordance with international anti-doping practices.”
It is unlikely that Turkey will be banned from competing at this year’s World Championships in Moscow, despite the high number of offenses. No country has ever been suspended from a major event because of doping offenses and the IAAF council, which has the power to make such a decision, does not sit until the eve of the championships next month, when Turkey’s athletes will already be in Russia.
With only eight weeks remaining until the IOC makes a decision on the 2020 Olympics in Buenos Aires, Istanbul bid insiders insisted that Turkey’s Olympic committee had been working hard with anti-doping agencies to uncover potential cheats.
When Alptekin won gold at last year’s Olympics, she said the result was down to “Turkish power,” although the British athlete Lisa Dobriskey immediately raised suspicions when saying she felt “uncomfortable” at the result.
The IAAF would not confirm how many Turkish athletes are expected to be confirmed as positive, but said in a statement: “Following concerns highlighted by abnormal biological passport values, the IAAF with the national anti-doping agency intensified the testing program in Turkey, the results of which remain on-going in accordance with IAAF Rules. The IAAF will not make any further comment until the completion of those proceedings.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely