Alberto Salazar refutes fresh anti-doping allegations

Coach Alberto Salazar of the Nike Oregon Project times athletes as they train on the grass at the Nike campus on April 13, 2013
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Alberto Salazar, the coach of Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, hits back at claims that he broke anti-doping rules by giving athletes a banned substance.

Alberto Salazar has insisted that he has never used a banned substance to boost the performance of some of his athletes.

The American coach of Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah has had to defend fresh claims of breaking anti-doping rules following the publication of a leaked report by The Times.

It is claimed in the United States Anti-Doping Agency documents obtained by the publication that Farah and a number of other athletes were given infusions of a research supplement based on the chemical L-carnitine, which is known to have potentially harmful side-effects.

Salazar, the head coach of the Nike Oregon Project, has now hit back at the latest allegations, however, insisting that his methods are perfectly legal and in line with World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines.

"I believe in a clean sport. I have clearly and repeatedly refuted allegations directed against me and the Oregon Project," he told BBC Sport. "I believe in a clean sport and a methodical, dedicated approach to training.

"The Oregon Project will never permit doping and all Oregon Project athletes are required to comply with the Wada Code and IAAF rules. I do not use supplements that are banned. L-carnitine is a widely available, legal nutritional supplement that is not banned by WADA. Any use of L-carnitine was done so within WADA guidelines.

"In this case, to ensure my interpretation of WADA rules was correct, I also communicated in writing with USANDA in advance of the use and administration of L-carnitine with Oregon Project athletes. I have voluntarily cooperated with USANDA for years and met with them more than a year ago.

"The leaking of information and the litigation of false allegations in the press is disturbing, desperate and a denial of due process. I look forward to this unfair and protracted process reaching the conclusion I know to be true."

Farah also hit out at the allegations and admitted to feeling 'deeply frustrated' that the newspaper was attempting to tarnish his reputation.

Coach Alberto Salazar of the Nike Oregon Project times athletes as they train on the grass at the Nike campus on April 13, 2013
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