Shamed star's aliens claim

A triple gold medallist who was kicked out of the Winter Olympics for failing a drugs test claims he is being told what to do by aliens.

Cross-country skier Johann Muehlegg said the mysterious beings have had a profound effect on his life.

"I have seen them," he declared, before insisting he had not taken any drugs.

German-born Muehlegg, 31, defected to Spain in 1999 - apparently on the instructions of the aliens.

He said: "I was contacted and told what to do by people from the other side.

Blood booster

"You might think it's funny but it has paid off. I'm now an Olympic champion and the record books will show it."

Muehlegg denies drug claims

Muehlegg, who failed a second dope test on Tuesday, has only been ordered to hand back one of his gold medals - for Saturday's 50km.

The International Olympic Committe have no power to seize the gongs given out for the 10km and 30km events because they took place before he was tested.

But Muehlegg will face a two-year ban if the positive results for blood booster darbepoetin are upheld.

If that happens, he might still get a call to compete....in the Other World Championships, due to be held on Mars in July.