Top international athlete Rob Denmark has called for a failsafe drugs testing procedure to be implemented in the wake of Linford Christie's positive drugs test.

Christie has vehemently denied the charge and Denmark - a former Commonwealth Games and reigning AAA 5000m champion - said: "I find it very odd that Christie has failed a drug test after he has retired.

"Athletes are just not confident in drug testing procedures after what happened with Dougie Walker.

"He tests positive and was then cleared. No one know where they are from one month to the next.

UK Athletics confirmed yesterday afternoon that Christie failed the test at an indoor meeting in Dortmund on February 13.

The sport's governing body revealed that runner tested positive for the banned substance nandrolone and has been suspended.

However, Christie - Britain's 100 metres gold medallist at the Barcelona Olympics - is protesting his innocence.

''I have consistently opposed the use of banned substances by athletes and it is ridiculous to imagine that I would take them after my retirement," he said.

''I agree that there should be a full investigation into the numerous cases where metabolites of nandrolone have been found in urine samples to establish how this could happen without the knowledge of the athlete.''

Rayleigh-based Denmark, a long-serving member of Basildon Athletic Club, claimed some athletes got off on technicalities and other were being found guilty of drugs offences when they are not.

He said their were so many uncertainties and the whole testing procedure was confusing.

"I was tested a week and a half ago and it makes you very nervous. I've got nothing to hide, but things need to be sorted out."

It remains to be seen what the outcome of positive test will be, but Denmark praised the former Great Britain men's team captain.

"He was team captain when I competed in the 1992 Olympics," said Denmark.

"He was very supportive and a great motivator. He wished me luck befoer the 5000m final and I was impressed that he took the trouble to come over and say that.

"But there is no doubt this has cast another massive cloud over our sport. I find it really sad because there is so much good about athletics.

"But some athletes are using the system to their advantage and are cheating beyond a shadow of doubt. There needs to be a failsafe check system."

Rob Denmark - wants a better drug testing system for British athletes

(Right) Banned - Olympic hero Christie

1st Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.