The former Olympic champion had been accused of taking the banned steroid nandrolone.

Linford Christie says his future rested in the hands of four people

Though retired and only running for fun while he coaches other sprinters, the 39-year-old was suspended after failing a drugs test after an indoor meet at Dortmund, Germany, in February.

Christie is one of a number of athletes who have been accused of taking the banned substance.

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Scottish sprinter Dougie Walker was also cleared by UK Athletics, though the sport's governing body, the IAAF, has yet to ratify the decision.

The IAAF secretary general, Istvan Gyulai, said the organisation would examine the latest findings over the next few weeks before deciding whether to accept the ruling.

IAAF spokesman explains what happens next

"The IAAF rules say if it is in your organs or your body it does not matter where it came from.,"

"The next step is [that] UK Athletics sends us the documents and reasoning why this decision was reached."

'Unanimous' decision

Jayne Pearce, UK Athletics: "The whole system needs looking at"

A UK Athletics statement said: "The disciplinary committee has unanimously decided to dismiss the disciplinary proceedings.

"UK Athletics has lifted Linford Christie's suspension and he is able to take part in athletic competition should he so wish.

"The disciplinary committee concluded that it could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt that the substance present in the sample was derived from a prohibited substance. Linford Christie has therefore been cleared of all charges.

"UK Athletics has at all times abided by its own rules and by the rules of the governing body of athletics, the IAAF.

"It has also sought to be fair to the athlete at all times and will continue to do so with any subsequent cases. UK Athletics is delighted that Linford Christie has been cleared of all charges."