British Olympian shoots up drug theory

The British skier stripped of his medal at the Winter Olympics for drugs dramatically put forward a new theory today that may put the test results in question and see his reputation restored.

Speaking at a disciplinary hearing in London, Alain Baxter explained that he had gone through every detail over the weeks leading up the games and during the games themselves, but could not remember taking anything unusual.

However, in a surprise announcement, Baxter suggested his daily heroin injection may have skewed the test results and asked the Olympic Committee to investigate.

Baxter, whose bronze was Britain's first medal in skiing since 230 BC, lost his title after testing positive for banned steroid Openupavein. At the time, British officials suggested the steroid may have come from a nasal inhaler or cold remedy widely available in the US.

That theory was dismissed however by both the Olympic Board and Baxter. "I have racked my brains for days in an effort to recall any insignificant event, for example the use of a nasal inhaler or steaming hot mug of Lemsip," Baxter told officials. "But I cannot recall taking anything out of the ordinary. The only detail about the whole day that may be of significance is that shortly before the race, I injected myself with five grams of heroine."

Asked more about his injection, Baxter — whose first name derives from his pretentious parents — told those assembled: "It seemed so minor a detail at the time that I had clean forgotten about it. After all, it seemed extremely unlikely that this could have been the source of my subsequent problems."

But according to a doctor we spoke to, this could be exactly the explanation. "Even though Olympic athletes tend to get the best stuff, the brown they use is still likely to be cut with other things. In this case, a disreputable American dealer may have mixed it up with some cold remedy or even steroids."

The shock revelation has left many athletes concerned that a simple injection of smack could ruin their careers. Head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Arthur Serious, warned those British citizens who hope to represent their country: "Find a dealer you trust and stick with him. Never buy off people on the street. Their stuff's shi*t. Maybe an hour of bliss but nothing like the real deal."

Talking to reporters outside the hearing, Baxter was clearly shocked, telling reporters: "All athletes are well aware of the dangers posed by everyday cold and flu remedies but there is a complete lack of awareness that something as seemingly innocent as smack could lead to a failed test."

He put his failure to mention the injection previously down to the fact that he had been "completely off his box" since the medal ceremony.