Richardson pulls out of Olympics

Out of the Olympic running - Mark Richardson

Team GB 400m runner Mark Richardson has withdrawn from the British Olympic squad and will not compete at the Games in Sydney.

He has pulled out because of the on-going row over his positive test for the banned substance nandrolone.

Richardson was cleared of drug taking by a UK Athletics disciplinary hearing but the International Olympic Committee demanded to investigate the case again.

The IOC's disciplinary tribunal was due to meet in Sydney on the eve of the Games, though Richardson and his advisers wanted the date switched.

Delayed

It has now been agreed between the lawyers of both camps that Richardson's case should be delayed until after the Olympics and he will not take part.

The athlete, who says he needs time to prepare the defence of his case, was due to represent Britain in the 400m and the 4x400m relay.

Richardson wished his colleagues in the British Olympic team success in Sydney and said: "This will be the first time I will not be part of the 4x400m relay for nine years - I'm gutted.

"This has been a very difficult decision. I was really looking forward to the Olympic Games in Sydney. But for me at this moment in my life the important thing is not `the taking part' but proving my innocence to our world governing body, the IAAF."

Richardson's place in the individual 400m will be taken by Birchfield Harriers runner Daniel Caines.

Iwan Thomas had earlier said he did not want to be considered as a possible replacement in the individual event.

Brave decision

UK Athletics chief executive David Moorcroft said: "It was a very brave decision that Mark made, but in the long term proving his innocence is of paramount importance.

"We will all miss his presence in Sydney. Mark's absence will be missed by all of the team."

Linford Christie, Gary Cadogan and Dougie Walker - like Richardson - have all protested their innocence following similar positive tests for nandrolone.

They all claim never to have knowingly taken anything illegal and argue that the positive findings came as a result of a combination of food supplements and intensive exercise.

This was backed up by the findings of a scientific study by Aberdeen University - ironically part-funded by the IOC.

UK Athletics cleared all four athletes but Christie, Cadogan and Walker were all subsequently banned for two years by the IOC.