Doping destroying sport

In the last week both Tour de France winner Floyd Landis and Olympic 100m champion and joint world record holder Justin Gatlin have announced that they have tested positive for testosterone.

George Williams, the 2004 Olympics US men's athletics coach, said: "They are destroying it big-time. It is affecting sports everywhere. It is affecting the credibility of young kids.

"Justin is a hero. He is a hero for track and field. He is an American hero."

Williams added that he did not think Gatlin had used performance-enhancing substances.

Peter Ueberroth, US Olympic Committee chairman has also spoken out about the situation, likening doping to a cancer.

He said: "It tears at the fabric of what makes sport unique and important to our society. We are committed to winning this battle.

"(But) the cold reality is this: we are not winning the battle. Good progress has been made, but a great deal more must be done."

USA Track and Field boss Craig Masback said he hoped Gatlin had not committed a doping offence but issued a warning to those who do.

"His case demonstrates that in track and field and Olympics sports, it doesn't matter who you are. If you test positive for a banned substance, you will face substantial consequences."