Seb Coe’s right on Linford Christie torch row

Jun 22 2008 by Ian Robson, Sunday Sun

LINFORD CHRISTIE on Seb Coe: “I cannot stand the guy. I have nothing good to say about Coe at all, absolutely nothing at all.”

Me on Linford Christie: “Ditto.”

The two athletes fell out recently after Christie was dropped from carrying the Olympic torch through London.

Now he has subjected us to a right old rant and rave as Coe — chairman of the committee organising the 2012 Olympics in the UK — keeps a dignified silence.

On a Radio Four show, Christie said it should have been his right to carry the torch.

He said he had done his country proud and was a stalwart of the sport. True, of course, but that’s not the whole story.

He also shamed his country and was a disgrace to the sport he professes to still represent. Or has he forgotten that he once tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone?

He was cleared by UK Athletics but the International Association of Athletics gave him a two-year ban.

What’s more, the British Olympic Association said it would no longer accredit him.

Is this the kind of guy you want carrying the torch for your county?

Christie, having tarnished his own reputation, should be content to stay at home.