Dutch champion Sifan Hassan’s coach is banned for doping offences

Sifan Hassan celebrates after the women's 10,000m final. Photo: CHINE NOUVELLE/SIPA
Sifan Hassan celebrates after the women’s 10,000m final. Photo: CHINE NOUVELLE/SIPA

Athletics coach Alberto Salazar, who counts Dutch 10,000 metres champion Sifan Hassan among his protegees, has been banned from coaching for four years for doping offences.

The US anti-doping agency banned Salazar for ‘orchestrating and facilitating prohibited doping conduct’ as head coach of the Nike Oregon Project, a camp designed primarily to develop endurance athletes, the Guardian reported.

Salazar, a former marathon runner, has previously denied any involvement in doping and according to the BBC has said he is ‘shocked’ by the decision and will appeal.

Hassan, who won gold in the 10,000 metres at the World Championships in Doha on Saturday, is not mentioned in the documents surrounding the case. She joined the Nike Oregon Project in 2016.

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