British bronze medallist Holmes, who failed to qualify for the 1500m final on Friday, appeared to question the manner of the Slovenian's runaway victory.

Holmes said after the race: "Take your own guess [how she did it]. I know I do it fairly and with progression."

But on Friday the British runner claimed she was not accusing her rival of any wrongdoing.

"I just made a small comment associated with myself, saying I was proud of what I had achieved coming back from injury and that I was doing it cleanly," she told BBC TV.

"People made their own conclusions. It was quite funny actually.

"There's been so much in the press recently, including ludicrous accusations about Paula Radcliffe.

"All I wanted to say was I did it cleanly. I didn't mention any names.

"What everyone else thinks is up to them. I've got no-one to apologise to."

Holmes was also asked if she thought other athletes were taking illegal substances.

"I'm only human," she replied. "Everyone speculates, and being an athlete you get to know about people who you race against.

"I speculate like everyone else.

"But I'm happy I said what I said and have no regrets, I'm proud of my own performance and I wanted to say so."

Ceplak had earlier demanded that Holmes say sorry.

"I think she needs to make me a big apology," Ceplak declared.

"She said she did it fairly, but I did too. I have never heard anything like that from Kelly before.

"I considered her a friend and I did not expect her to say anything like this. After the semi-final I said 'good luck' to her and she said 'good luck' back."

Ceplak's manager Robert Wagner, who also works for Holmes, said he was baffled by her comments.

"It's so unusual for her to say something like that," he said.

"This is not good when you win the gold medal in the European Championships and the girl you have breakfast and travel with comes out with something like that."

1500m woe

Ceplak revealed she had received words of encouragement from another member of the British camp, Colin Jackson, who also uses the services of Wagner.

"I spoke to Colin a few minutes after the race and he just said 'be happy with your work and don't worry about what anyone else says'," added Ceplak.

Holmes finished fourth in her first round heat of the 1500m, the event she recently took gold in at the Commonwealth Games.

She said the overnight controversy had not affected her performance.

"It was always going to be hard coming out there after the 800m and my head wasn't engaging with my legs," she said.

"It just wasn't happening but I've had a great two weeks."