Asli Cakir Alptekin facing lifetime ban after being charged with a second anti-doping offence

Olympic 1,500 metres champion Asli Cakir Alptekin is facing a lifetime ban from athletics after being charged with a second anti-doping offence.

Cakir has been charged on the basis of abnormal blood values from her biological passport.

The 27-year-old, who was given a two-year ban in 2004 after a positive dope test at the world junior championships, stormed to victory in London ahead of compatriot Gamze Bulut.

Another Turkish athlete, double European 100m hurdles champion Nevin Yanit, also faces a ban after "multiple positive findings in both in-competition and out-of-competiton tests," the International Association of Athletics Federations said.

Both athletes have been charged with anti-doping rule violations by the IAAF and are provisionally suspended.

Their cases have been referred to the Turkish federation for adjudication and Cakir faces an automatic life ban for a second doping offence.

Cakir's ban will hardly raise eyebrows in the world of athletics, despite her denying the use of performance-enhancing drugs when grilled immediately after her London success.

Shortly after the 1,500m final, Britain's Lisa Dobriskey, who finished 10th, voiced her frustration.

"I'll probably get into trouble for saying this but I don't believe I'm competing on a level playing field," she said.

"I think the blood passport is catching people but I think these Games came too soon. People will be caught eventually, I think. Fingers crossed anyway."