ATHLETICS: Olympic decathlon legend Daley Thompson has implored Justin Gatlin to reveal who supplied him with performance-enhancing drugs.

Gatlin, the world and Olympic 100-metre champion, was facing the prospect of a life ban after testing positive for testosterone at the Kansas Relays in April, but was spared after agreeing to "co-operate in the effort to eradicate the use of drugs from sport".

The 24-year-old American has been banned for a maximum of eight years but will hope to have that considerably reduced by providing information to the authorities.

Thompson said: "I would expect him to own up and to whistle blow on those who supplied him with drugs irrespective of any deal on offer.

"It would be great if he did one honourable act before leaving the sport. Personally I think it would be a travesty if Justin Gatlin was ever allowed back on the track.

"It appears that he has wilfully defrauded the public, sponsors and the media for many years and has paraded himself as the new, clean, drug-free hero of the sport.

"I feel he should never be allowed back into top-level athletics."

The IAAF said they were in favour of Gatlin's deal if it can open the door to identifying other drug cheats, using the "substantial assistance" regulation written into their anti-doping charter.

Media director Nick Davies said: "All we want is for Justin Gatlin to tell the truth. We want him to provide us with evidence that can be used against other people who we can convict of doping offences."