UK Anti-Doping caused controversy this week by suggesting that the rules on recreational drugs in sport should be relaxed for the Olympics.

Times columnist and former table tennis player Matthew Syed, who competed in two Olympics, told John Humphrys that the body was supposed to legislate against cheating, and that recreation drugs do not improve performance, so should not lead to a ban in some cases.

Politicians "want to use sport to impose a particular version of morality," he said.

But Michele Verroken, from consultancy Sporting Integrity, said that "medal desperation" might be influencing the anti-doping agency.

"We really don't want these role models to be using drugs," she said.

Get in touch with Today via email , Twitter or Facebook or text us on 84844.