Christie upset by Lottery row
Linford Christie today defended his right to claim up to £30,000 in National Lottery support, even though convicted drug cheats are to be banned from receiving public money.
The former Olympic and World 100 metres champion, now coach to Darren Campbell, Jamie Baulch and Katharine Merry, has been given permission by UK Sport to apply for money to help cover his expenses. He is entitled for up to £10,000 a year for each of his athletes.
The decision has drawn criticism in the light of UK Sport's decision to prevent drug cheats from drawing lottery funds from January 2002.
Christie, who recently finished a two-year ban for testing positive for nandrolone, said: "I use my own money to pay for kids who cannot afford to train or buy kit.
"I take offence at the suggestion that I cannot apply for support for my athletes. That money is there for them."
