British runner Mo Farah has released a statement saying that he has never taken any performance-enhancing drugs.
The statement follows reports that Farah missed two drugs tests in the lead-up to the London 2012 Olympics.
"I have never taken performance-enhancing drugs in my life and I never will. Over the course of my career I have taken hundreds of drugs tests and every single one has been negative. I've fully explained the only two tests in my career that I have ever missed, which the authorities understood, and there was never any suggestion that these were anything more than simple mistakes," the statement on Farah's Facebook page said.
"The last two weeks have been the toughest of my life – with rumours and speculation about me that are completely false – and the impact this has had on my family and friends has left me angry, frustrated and upset. In particular, the media pressure on my young family and my wife, who is 5 months pregnant, is extremely painful, especially as I'm away training for some important races.
"As I made clear, I went to Portland to speak to Alberto Salazar and demand answers. He reassured me that the claims are false and that he will soon be providing evidence to make that clear. Until then I will not be commenting further on the allegations.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fans, family, friends and teammates for all the great support they have provided over the last few days and hope that I will now be allowed to focus on my training and winning medals for my country."
Farah's coach Salazar has been accused of encouraging athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs.
Jonathan McIntosh
