AAI lifts Turnbull suspension

The Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI) has lifted the provisional suspension imposed on 1500 metre runner Gareth Turnbull…

The Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI) has lifted the provisional suspension imposed on 1500 metre runner Gareth Turnbull.

Turnbull was handed the suspension last Monday after the Sports Council informed him of an alleged doping offence detected in an out-of-competition test last September.

However, the international federation, the IAAF, does not require the athlete to be suspended until he makes a submission in his defence.

A statement released today by the AAI read: "The AAI was instructed by the Irish Sports Council to immediately provisionally suspend the athlete concerned, pursuant to Article 7.8.1 of the Anti-Doping Rules and did so.

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"Subsequently the AAI was informed of concerns raised by the athlete in relation to the imposition of the provisional suspension. In the circumstances, and in the interests of natural justice, the AAI has rescinded the decision to provisionally suspend the athlete and has requested a written explanation for the A-sample results from the athlete by 5.00 pm on Wednesday the 21st June."

Turnbull has asked for the B-sample to be tested.