Alberto Salazar hits back at doping report

Athletics coach accuses BBC and ProPublica of ‘inaccurate and unfounded journalism’

A September 4th, 2011, photograph shows Alberto Salazar (C) hugging US athletes Bernard Lagat (R) and Galen Rupp following the men’s 5,000 metres final at the  World Championships in Daegu. Photograph: Getty Images
A September 4th, 2011, photograph shows Alberto Salazar (C) hugging US athletes Bernard Lagat (R) and Galen Rupp following the men’s 5,000 metres final at the World Championships in Daegu. Photograph: Getty Images

Top athletics coach Alberto Salazar and US Olympic silver medallist Galen Rupp have denied any wrongdoing after a BBC Panorama documentary accused them of violating anti-doping rules.

In a statement, Salazar said the BBC and US website ProPublica had engaged in “inaccurate and unfounded journalism”.

“I believe in a clean sport and hard work and so do my athletes,” said Salazar. “Apparently that is not interesting enough for some.

“I am very disappointed that the BBC and ProPublica and their ‘reporters’ who have allowed themselves to be used by individuals with agendas and have engaged in such inaccurate and unfounded journalism.

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‘Senationalism’

“Rather than present the facts, they opted for sensationalism and innuendo.”

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) would not comment on whether Salazar’s group was under investigation.

Rupp, the training partner of British Olympic champion Mo Farah, denied ever using performance enhancing drugs. Farah has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

“I expressly told these reporters that these allegations were not true and their sources admit they have no evidence, yet they print ‘suspicions’ attacking me and sullying my reputation,” said Rupp.