Andy Turner: Former hurdler backs 'one strike' bans for doping
Last updated on .From the section Athletics
Ex-110m hurdler Andy Turner says athletes caught doping should be given a "one strike" ban by the International Association of Athletics Federations.
However, the 34-year-old does not accept new figures which purportedly show a high level of doping.
He told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I'm not sure I believe one-in-seven. That sounds a little bit high.
"I do think it is a minority (of athletes). I don't believe it's as rife as people think it is."
Punishments handed out by the IAAF for doping offences vary on a case-by-case basis, but Sebastian Coe, who is standing for president of the organisation, has promised to establish an independent anti-doping agency within 100 days if he is elected.
Turner said current punishments were "too soft" and continued: "It's got to be simple: you fail (a doping test) you're done for, you're out of the game. One strike and you're out."
| Andy Turner's career honours | ||
|---|---|---|
| World Championships | European Championships | Commonwealth Games |
| Bronze, Daegu 2011 | Gold, Barcelona 2010; Bronze, Gothenburg 2006 | Gold, Delhi 2010;Bronze, Melbourne 2006 |
However, he believes there is a public misconception about the use and availability of performance-enhancing substances within athletics.
"People think some dodgy-looking geezer comes up to you and says 'I've got some drugs for you'. It's not how it happens," he said.
"As an athlete, I wouldn't have a clue where to go and get it. You hear about a lot of coaches, who were ex-athletes, who have had failed tests in the past. They're the groups you have to be suspicious of."
Turner said the idea of using performance-enhancing drugs never crossed his mind during his track career.
"I wanted to see how far I could take myself. I was proud of my own achievements.
"It would have been tainted if I had taken something. In athletics all you have is your name," he added.
| IAAF World Championships on the BBC |
|---|
| Venue: Bird's Nest Stadium, Beijing Dates: 22-30 August |
| Coverage: Live on BBC TV, Red Button, Radio 5 live, online, mobiles, tablets and app. |
