THE president of the world athletics body, Lamine Diack, was among those yesterday to applaud a decision by the US Anti-Doping Agency to impose a life ban on former leading coach Trevor Graham.

He was the sport's greatest whistle-blower, handing a sample of a designer steroid to the authorities and triggering the biggest doping scandal in sport's history. Despite the millions spent against doping, this chance gift provided the biggest breakthrough, bringing down Dwain Chambers and Marion Jones among others.

Now Graham is barred for life in any capacity at any competition or activity authorized or organized by the US Olympic Committee, USA Track & Field, the International Association of Athletics Federations or any other signatory to the World anti-doping code.

I would be applauding too if I were certain he will stay banned, and not lever a comeback by arguing restraint of trade, similar to Chambers who will learn in the High Court today whether he has thwarted the BOA and gate-crashed the Olympic team.

The sooner Britain launches an investigation into the coaches who led Chambers astray, and imposes a similar ban, the better.