ATHLETES fear drug cheats will abuse the coronavirus crisis and wreck the Olympics.
Worldwide doping tests are being reduced in the wake of the pandemic.
Read our Coronavirus in Sport live blog for the latest news, updates and cancellations
Brit athlete Jo Pavey has been an advocate for clean sport all her running lifeCredit: PA:Press Association
Britain and Germany are among top-level nations who will cut back on testing ahead of Tokyo.
And British long-distance runner Jo Pavey, 46, told SunSport: “If the Olympics go ahead, then it appears anti-doping can’t have been as stringent as it needs to be.
“Not only are we risking people’s health and lives with the virus but also anti-doping will be an issue.
“Going into people’s houses for tests is unsafe when they’ve all been told to isolate, which will happen soon.
“And, of course, the main priority is the health and safety and welfare of athletes.
“I have always campaigned for anti-doping procedures in place. On this occasion, health and welfare becomes before sport. It’s impossible to how to think the Games can go ahead.
“So many athletes want to know where they stand. It’s concerning.”
UKAD chief Nicole Sapstead insists government advice has to be followed – by the testersCredit: PA:Press Association
UK Anti-Doping officials announced “a significant reduction” in their testing programme, in light of the Covid-19 outbreak and athletes potentially showing symptoms.
Doping control officers will wear protective equipment and stay six feet away from athletes.
UKAD chief Nicole Sapstead said: “This is a difficult decision and one that has not been taken lightly.
“Our priority is the health and welfare of athletes, our staff and doping control officers.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – BE IN THE KNOW
Get the latest coronavirus news, facts and figures from around the world – plus essential advice for you and your family.
To receive our Covid-19 newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
“As an organisation our responsibility remains to protect clean sport.
“But we must give precedence to health and welfare and act responsibly, in line with government advice, during this unprecedented time.”
Boxer Michael Conlan, who won London 2012 flyweight bronze for Ireland, slammed UKAD’s announcement, claiming steroid abuse will now dramatically increase.
The undefeated Belfast-born fighter tweeted: “UKAD just opening up the door for all the juicing fighters to go crazy on the juice.
“Roid rage will be at an all-time high during corona season.”
He was backed by respected boxing coach Dave Coldwell, who called the announcement “the definition of dumb”.
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
