Athletics: Gordon denies taking drugs

British athletics officials yesterday refused to discuss the case of the discus thrower Peter Gordon, who has been suspended from competition over a drugs test infringement, writes Mike Rowbottom.

The 42-year-old failed to provide a complete urine sample at the British championships at Crystal Palace last month.

Gordon, a former British champion who runs a security company on Tyneside, said: 'I have never taken drugs and I have always been available for tests.

'I didn't provide enough on this occasion, but pressure was building up at work and I had to get back.'

The International Amateur Athletic Federation has lost an appeal against the damages awarded to the 400 metres world record-holder, Butch Reynolds, who was banned for allegedly using steroids. The IAAF is likely to take the appeal to a higher United States court.