ATHLETICS: Drugs ban for Britton's rival
Binnaz Uslu overtakes Fionnuala Britton in Milan. The Turkish runner has received a two-year ban
Tuesday May 22 2007
THE Turkish runner who held off Ireland's Fionnuala Britton to win gold in the European U23 Cross Country Championship in Italy last December has received a two-year ban for doping.
It is not yet clear what illegal substance Binnaz Uslu was found to have taken, but Turkish newspapers have reported that she has received the suspension after an out-of-competition test on March 13 and that her ban dates from early last month.
Three months earlier, Wicklow's Britton had to settle for a silver medal behind Uslu at the European Cross country in Italy. Uslu, a former European junior champion, beat the SlíCualann athlete by just nine seconds, while another Turkish athlete took third.
It is another blow for the Turks, whose European record-breaking track star Sureyya Ayhan has already served a two-year ban and her spouse and trainer, Ayhan Kop, was also given a two-year ban due to his aggressive behaviour towards anti-doping officials and for violating doping control procedures.
It is reported that Uslu's coach has now also been called to answer questions by the IAAF.
Elsewhere, Cork City Sports, which lost its title sponsor BUPA this year, has confirmed that three new financial backers - Spar, FDC Financial Services and McDonald's - will jointly sponsor this year's event on June 30, maintaining its international status in its 56th season.
- Cliona Foley
