Mo Farah on his way to winning the 10K at the 2015 Pre Classic in Eugene, Ore.

British Athletics has issued a statement in response to the recent investigative report by BBC and ProPublica on doping allegations towards Alberto Salazar and the Nike Oregon Project. British Olympic Champion and Nike Oregon Project member Mo Farah has responded to the documentary on his coach saying, “I’m not leaving Alberto.”

 

In a press conference prior to the Birmingham Diamond League meeting on Sunday, Farah addressed the media on the reports generated by BBC and ProPublica where former athletes of Salazar accused the coach of encouraging team members to take prescription medications without a doctor’s consent. 

 

Former Nike Oregon Project assistant coach Steve Magness along with former athletes Kara and Adam Goucher spoke in the BBC program about their experiences with the group, including specific accounts suggesting that Galen Rupp may have been on testosterone medication as far back as 2002. 

 

“I’m not leaving Alberto,” said Farah, according to Cathal Dennehy of Runner’s World. 

 

“I’m really angry at this situation. It’s not fair. I haven’t done anything and yet my name is getting dragged through the mud,” Farah said. “If they turn out to be true and Alberto has crossed the line, then I’m the first person to leave him. The easiest thing for me to do is to jump, but I have to find the truth.”

 

He added, “I want him to prove to me these are just allegations. If he can’t prove that to me, then I’m out.”

 

Farah is scheduled to race a 1500m tomorrow in Birmingham. The race follows a recent win at the Pre Classic where Farah clocked 26:50.97 in the 10K, a world lead and a season’s best for the two time Olympic Champion. 

 

Both Salazar and Rupp issued statements following the reports, calling them “inaccurate,” “unfounded,” and “irresponsible journalism.” 

 

British Athletics also issued a statement Saturday morning in response to the reports suggesting Farah’s involvement:

Statement from UK Athletics on BBC Panorama: pic.twitter.com/mSfvzCInuM

— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) June 6, 2015

Farah was very adamant that he has never used banned substances and denies any involvement in the allegations listed in the reports. 

 

“I’m a clean athlete. I’m against drugs. Anyone that uses them should be banned for life.”