Dick: "Lewis has got the best man for the job"

Dick, coach to Olympic heptathlon champion Lewis, says the East German is "perfect" for the role and deserves a second chance despite being linked to the East German doping programme of the 1970s and 1980s.

"I look at someone's skills first and didn't consider for a moment judging someone's history from about 15 years ago," Dick told BBC Radio Five Live.

Rogge questions Lewis' thinking

His opinion contradicts that of International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, who believes it would be wise for Lewis to sever her ties with Arbeit.

But former British national coach Dick insists that Arbeit is the man best qualified for the job.

"My role is to make sure an athlete has access to the very best expertise in all areas," said Dick.

I would certainly never involve myself, nor would Denise, with anyone that would be a threat to our culture Frank Dick Denise Lewis coach

"Looking at the package of skills and knowledge that came with Ekkart as a throwing coach, he was perfect. It was a bargain to get so much wrapped up in one person.

"No-one on the planet matches his abilities."

Crucially, Dick believes that Lewis' reputation is not at risk.

"I would certainly never involve myself - nor would Denise, nor would British sport - with anyone (I) felt at this point in history would be a threat to our culture.

"The German Democratic Republic (had) a cynical drugs culture.

"However since the Berlin Wall came down the individuals I know have emerged from the goldfish bowl existence and unequivocally condemned what they did in the past.

"We belong to an enlightened age where our young people can make the right decisions and the right choices for the right reasons."