Legend Fraser hits out at 'drugs cheats'

Fraser (centre) cheers Ian Thorpe's first gold

Australian swimming legend Dawn Fraser has attacked the International Olympic Committee for failing to tackle the drugs problem in her sport.

Fraser, who won eight gold medals in a glittering Olympic career, also hinted that several Sydney champions were dopers.

"There are suspicions, but I can't put a name on that because I don't want to be sued," she told BBC Five Live.

"I have been critical because I think with all the drug cheats around, I believe we can do more to catch these people.

"It's not fair on the athlete who really trains hard and doesn't take any stimulant," she said.

"I just hope the IOC take it on board, the blood-testing. And they've got to take the medals from the drug-cheats."

Outspoken

Fraser has been known for her outspoken attitudes throughout her life.

She won the 100m freestyle at three successive Games, but her individualism led her into many brushes with the establishment.

A prank at the Tokyo Olympics brought her a 10-year suspension, subsequently reduced to four, when she was among a group who tried to enter the Emperor's Palace in the centre of Tokyo to get a souvenir flag.

She was arrested, but charges were not pressed and the Emperor sent her a flag. The Australian Swimming Federation did not take such a generous attitude to the incident and their suspension brought her career to an end.

But Fraser is a huge favourite in Australia, and her comments will hit hard.