ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey has been hit by eight more athletes reportedly caught using banned substances, just days after eight of the country’s weightlifters were pulled out of the Mediterranean Games for failing doping tests at a training camp.
Anadolu news agency says Friday the latest group includes 2004 Olympic silver medalist hammer thrower Esref Apak among seven other mainly hammer throwers and runners.
Anadolu says officials called on the track and field athletes to pull out if taking part in the Mediterranean Games, which end on Sunday in Mersin, Turkey.
The latest in a string of doping cases means another setback for Turkey’s bid for the 2020 Olympics, as Istanbul rivals Tokyo and Madrid.
In May, Olympic 1,500-meter champion Asli Cakir Alptekin and European indoor hurdles champion Nevin Yanit were charged with doping violations.
