Sally Gunnell backs life bans

Former Olympic champion Sally Gunnell has insisted that all athletes convicted of doping offences should be given a life ban.

The World Anti-Doping Agency has introduced plans for a four-year minimum suspension for athletes caught using performance-enhancing drugs such as steroids.

Gunnell has welcomed the increase from two-year bans but thinks that even tougher sanctions are needed.

"It should have been done years ago," she said. "I have always advocated a life ban.

"There should be one rule for everybody. There seems to be different rules for everyone.

"I hope what's happened in cycling will stir up the whole lot and they will get strict. It needs to have set rules for everybody, and strong rules."

Gunnell was speaking at the launch for the European Championships in Gateshead next year.