31 Turkish Athletes Suspended For Doping

The Turkish Athletics Federation says it has suspended 31 track and field athletes for two years each for drug violations.

The banned athletes include hammer thrower Esref Apak, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist. His case had been announced in June.

However, the TAF says its investigations continue into alleged doping by Asli Cakir Alptekin, the women's 1,500-meter champion at the 2012 Olympics, and two other female team members in London.

At least three of the 31, including Apak, were on Turkey's London Olympic team.

The TAF listed all 31 on its website without specifying details of their doping violations.

Many suspensions were expected after reports that multiple athletes tested positive in a targeted program before the Mediterranean Games, which Turkey hosted in June.

[Associated Press]