Athletics: Radcliffe attacks Christie role

Adam Wolf

BBC


Paula Radcliffe

Radcliffe is an outspoken critic of doping in sport

World marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe has hit out at UK Athletics' decision to appoint Linford Christie as a mentor to British athletes.

Christie's role has attracted controversy because of his two-year ban for taking banned steroids in 1999.

Asked if she thought Christie's role is a good idea, Radcliffe said: "Personally I don't think it is, no.

"We have to make sure that the people in that mentor role have an integrity and strong sense of ethics and morals."

Interview: Paula Radcliffe on Sportsweek

Radcliffe added: "They must have achievements that the athletes can look up to and can trust in and believe in.

"As a country we're leading the way in making sure that athletes know that when they come into the sport they know that they are competing fairly.

"If you do take shortcuts then you're not only cheating yourself and your fellow competitors but you're also cheating your country and your supporters.

"I don't think it's a mistake on the coaching side of things, but I don't think he should be in that mentor role."

Christie has consistently denied any wrongdoing but was not involved in London's bid for the 2012 Olympics.