BBC SPORT | Athletics | European Athletics

Paula Radcliffe has tested negative for drugs five times in the last year, UK Sport has revealed.

The European 10,000m champion asked the governing body to release the results of doping tests after scepticism in the foreign media over her recent performances.

She had rejected claims that her record-breaking form could be down to the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Radcliffe ran the second fastest 10,000m time in history on Tuesday night, but has been subject to a whispering campaign about her achievements this year.

Radcliffe destroys opposition

Radcliffe, who wears a red ribbon on her vest in every race to protest against drug taking in athletics, said: "It upsets me very much because it is something very important to me.

When the problem of doping is still with us, you have to accept such scrutiny but it's sad

Paula Radcliffe

"I know myself and the people around me know that it is all because of the hard work that has been put in.

"If I could go somewhere and say 'test me for everything you can', I would. But we don't have any place that can do that."

According to UK Sports, Radcliffe tested negative in four tests conducted by the International Association of Athletic Federations and one by the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Radcliffe makes placard protest

Radcliffe was involved in a high-profile campaign against the use of drugs in athletics when she held up a banner in the stands at last year's World Championships protesting at the presence of Olga Yegorova.

The Russian had failed a drugs test but was allowed to run on a technicality and went on to win the title.

Radcliffe accepted that such controversy meant that her outstanding performances would inevitably come under scrutiny.

Olga Yegorova wins the World 5,000m title despite testing positive for drugs
Radcliffe protested about Yegorova's inclusion

"When the problem of doping is still with us, you have to accept such scrutiny but it's sad," she said.

The British runner was supported by Norway's Ingrid Kristiansen, whose European record Radcliffe broke on Tuesday night.

Paula's annus mirabilis

"Paula runs fast season after season and that tells me she is a clean runner," said Kristiansen.

"I am suspicious of people who come through for one race and are not seen again."

Radcliffe's success in Munich followed her 5000m success in the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

In the last few months Radcliffe has also won the London marathon in the second-fastest time in history and retained her world half-marathon title.


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