Trust in sport eroded by fresh allegations

Another day, another story alleging the use of doping in elite sport.

The latest in a long and rather depressing category of allegations suggests top footballers, cyclists, tennis players and boxers may all have been “treated” with banned substances.

Last night an urgent investigation into the claims was instigated.

While the latest reports are worrying in themselves, what is perhaps all the more alarming is the allegation that the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) watchdog was given information regarding the situation two years ago but failed to take any action.

The fresh allegations will need to be properly scrutinised and we must accept that process will take time.

However, they will inevitably once again undermine the trust in top athletes.

Given the role top sports people play in all our lives – in many instances they are role models – every fresh allegation of doping is a potentially devastating blow.

We all fondly imagine that success in sport relies on nothing more than good coaching and raw talent.

With the right concoction of encouragement and ability, anybody should be able to achieve their sporting goals. There can be no place in sport for doping. Clearly, given the sheer number of scandals currently enveloping top sport, there are issues surrounding both the standard and indeed effectiveness of drug testing.

More than that, though, there remains question marks over the integrity of many of our top sports stars – and that is the most worrying aspect of all.