Radcliffe backs Ohuruogu's appeal

Just five months after winning the Commonwealth 400 metres gold medal, Ohuruogu fell foul of the anti-doping regulations and received a 12 month ban.

But Radcliffe believes there are mitigating circumstances in Ohuruogu's case and has called for the ban to be lifted, she said: "Christine has served her punishment and let us remember - and this is a very crucial fact - she has never failed a drugs test."

Under British Olympic Association rules, any athlete banned for doping receives an automatic lifetime ban from the Games.

Radcliffe, world marathon record holder and one of the sport's biggest anti-doping campaigners, believes Ohuruogu committed a foolish error but is adamant she should be given a clean bill of health and cleared to compete at future Games.

That will depend on how the Sports Dispute Resolutions Panel (SDRP) judged her appeal, presented by eminent barrister Michael Beloff QC, in London on Monday.

Radcliffe highlighted the cases of triathlete Tim Don and judo player Peter Cousins, both of whom won their appeals after falling foul of the 'three-strikes' regulation.

"Drugs, despite all the tests she has undergone in the past, have not been found in her body," added Radcliffe.

"I'm looking forward to being in the team with her in Beijing and London."