Lewis: 'Arbeit works for me'''

Olympic heptathlon champion Denise Lewis has defended her decision to utilise controversial German coach Ekkart Arbeit, claiming she is only interested in furthering her career.

Lewis has come under fire for linking up with Arbeit, who played a part in the huge success of East Germany’s sporting achievements and admitted drugs were used to enhance athletes’ performances.

However, Lewis claims she has every right to choose whomever she wishes to coach her and the only thing which concerns her is personal success.

“The information which is circulating (about Arbeit) is very much one-sided and it was 14 or 15 years ago now and what we are doing now is now,” Lewis told Athletics Focus in an interview to be broadcast on BBC1’s Grandstand programme tomorrow.

“I would like to think we can forgive and forget. Ekkart has made a statement with regards to his past and that is it. I am just trying to take my career forward.

“But it does become hard and I feel this brings me down and it puts speculation on my character.

“I am working with this man for the sole purpose of forwarding my career. What do people want? Do they want him to be imprisoned or hang from the rafters? He is a free man, he is free to coach.

“We are not breaking any rules on that front so let’s just get on and let the athlete and coach work together.

“I have earned the right to choose how to execute my career. I am happy that most of the British public still believe in me.

“I will keep fighting and hopefully can deliver something in Athens.”