Wilson loses appeal over four-year ban

Bernice Wilson failed a drugs test (Getty Images)

The sprinter Bernice Wilson, who ran for Britain in the European Indoor Championships in Paris last year, yesterday lost her appeal against a four-year ban imposed after she tested positive for excessive testosterone levels and for the anabolic steroid Clenbuterol in June last year.

First-time doping offenders normally receive two-year sanctions but the punishment can be doubled for "aggravating circumstances", such as testing positive for more than one banned substance. "This sends a strong message to anyone looking to dope in the UK," said Andy Parkinson, the chief executive of UK Anti-Doping.

Kenenisa Bekele, who is likely to be one of Mo Farah's main rivals at London 2012, was one of 34 athletes suspended yesterday by the Ethiopian Athletics Federation, for failing to attend a November training camp. Dube Jile, EAF technical director, said: "There has been a lack of commitment. We have to distinguish who is in good shape"

Bekele should still be able to defend his Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m titles. His manager, Jos Hermens, said: "My experience says the EAF will back off."