World Athletics Championships

Thomas Bach: 'Justin Gatlin is entitled to compete in Beijing'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter

Published: August 21 2015 | 13:52

Last updated: August 22 2015 | 08:30

IOC president Thomas Bach admits that sprinter Justin Gatlin is entitled to compete at the World Athletics Championships in Beijing.

IOC president Thomas Bach has insisted that sprinter Justin Gatlin has the "right to compete" after serving his suspension for a doping offence.

Since his return to the sport, Gatlin has established himself as Usain Bolt's main competition in the 100m, and despite questions being raised about his participation, Bach admits that there is little that can be done.

Bach told reporters: "I would still support a lifetime ban, but legally it's just not possible. A lifelong ban would not stand any kind of legal challenge so we have to accept that.

"As for [Gatlin], if you have an athlete who has served his suspension then he has the right to compete. It's a legal question not to be able to take stricter sanctions, a question of human rights."

The World Athletics Championships get underway on Saturday, with the 100m being run over the weekend.