Long-distance running coach Alberto Salazar’s former assistant is among those accusing the American of violating anti-doping rules and encouraging doping by one of his top runners, Olympic silver medalist Galen Rupp.
In a story on Wednesday by ProPublica and BBC, former Salazar assistant Steve Magness accused Salazar of using doping practices for his athletes at the Nike Oregon Project.
The story quoted both Salazar and Rupp as denying any wrongdoing.
Salazar issued a statement on Wednesday night.
“I believe in a clean sport and hard work and so do my athletes,” Salazar wrote in an e-mail. “Apparently that is not interesting enough for some... It is particularly sad that they have attacked Galen and his excellent reputation, which he has earned through years of hard work.”
Rupp won the silver medal in the 10,000m at the London Games, finishing behind another of Salazar’s leading runners, Mo Farah of Britain.
The story said no doping accusations have been made against Farah.
“I am dedicated to clean sport and have worked extremely hard for every accomplishment in my running career,” Rupp said in a statement. “I expressly told these reporters that these allegations were not true and their sources admit they have no evidence, yet they print ‘suspicions’ attacking me and sullying my reputation.”
Salazar is considered the US’ most powerful running coach.
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