SAfrica had 11 athletes caught for doping in 2012

JOHANNESBURG (AP) - South Africa's track and field federation says 11 athletes were sanctioned for doping in 2012, calling it a "very high number'' and a "troubling statistic.''

Athletics South Africa says two athletes were under age 18. One of them tested positive for traces of an anabolic steroid. Six cases of alleged doping are awaiting completion.

The federation adds that an "unprecedented'' five-year ban imposed on an administrator for supplying unlawful substances to an athlete.

ASA President James Evans says there is "clearly something badly wrong with the knowledge of the athletes and their support teams'' in South Africa.

South Africa's anti-doping body is re-testing blood samples from more than 50 cyclists from last year after Lance Armstrong confessed to doping.