Christie loses accreditation

Former Olympic champion Linford Christie had his Sydney Games personal coach's accreditation withdrawn by UK Athletics on Friday at his own request.

Christie was banned for a minimum of two years by the International Amateur Athletic Federation on Monday after testing positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone.

The British sprinter, who has protested his innocence on the drugs charge, said in a statement that "the difficult decision" had been taken after he had talked to his athletes.

"I feel they will suffer from the media circus which is likely to surround my presence in Sydney."

Christie, 100 metres gold medallist at the 1992 Barcelona Games, said he had asked his own coach Rod Roddan to accompany the athletes during their preparations and "be my eyes and voice during this important time".

British Olympic Association chairman Craig Reedie said Christie had acted professionally and in the interests of his athletes.

"It's sad, but a good thing also," world champion Maurice Greene said after winning the 100 metres at the Brussels Golden League meetiing.

"He would have been drawing a lot of attention and possibly the athletes he coaches might not have been totally focused."

Greene said Christie would still be able to keep in touch and did not expect it to interfere with the athletes' performances.

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