Athletics: Christie runs into drug problem

Former Olympic 100m champion Linford Christie has tested positive for a banned substance and has been suspended by the IAAF.

A statement from UK Athletics said Christie, 39, had tested positive for metabolites of the steroid nandrolone at an indoor meeting in Dortmund, Germany, on February 13.

Christie retired from serious competition in 1997 but continued to compete occasionally and UK Athletics said the sprinter, who has embarked on a new career as a coach, had asked to remain on the doping register.

The 1992 Olympic champion said: "I have consistently opposed the use of banned substances and it is ridiculous to imagine that I would take them after my retirement.

"I agree that there should be a full investigation into the numerous cases where metabolites of nandrolone have been found in urine samples to establish how this could happen without the knowledge of the athletes.

"Obviously, I am completely innocent of any wrongdoing and any case against me will be vigorously defended."

Christie has repeatedly spoken out against drugs and last year won sterling 40,000 ($123,000) in a libel case after a magazine article alleged he had taken performance-enhancing substances.