BY AYODELE ODUMADE

American sprinter Justin Gatlin’s new sponsorship deal with Nike, despite failing two drugs tests, has drawn criticism from past and present British athletes. Jason Gardiner who was one of Britain’s 4×100 metres relay team that won gold in 2004 said: “Nothing surprises me but this is another bad message sent by our sport.”  His teammate Marlon Devonish described the shock news as a “kick in the teeth to 99% of guys who are clean.  Gatlin won gold in the 100 metres in Athens in 2004.

800 metres runner Jenny Meadows tweeted: “Gatlin gets Nike deal having served a 2 doping bans when clean athletes lead world indoor rankings and have no funding?  Justice?”

Kelly Sotherton said, “What inspiration does Justin Gatlin give up and coming athletes @ Nike? Take drugs, get caught twice and sign a shoe contract? America does not appear to share their view as they feel once you have served your time that is that.