Cathal Dennehy: Athletics Integrity Unit's scorched earth policy paying off in war that can't be won

Eight years after its creation, the Athletics Integrity Unit has transformed track and field’s fight against doping, from exposing once untouchable stars to challenging lenient rulings

Erriyon Knighton tested positive for a steroid he said came from eating oxtail, but after being cleared in the US, the AIU and WADA appealed and CAS handed him a four-year ban. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

It was one of the biggest shocks at the World Athletics Championships: France’s Jimmy Gressier kicking to glory in the men’s 10,000m. But in Tokyo that night, what he said in the mixed zone was just as notable as how he performed on the track.

“Today, I beat East Africa. Let's not kid ourselves, you know I'm not picky, the AIU (Athletics Integrity Unit) is doing a huge job and it helps to level the playing field a bit more.”