Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Denise Lewis' head coach Frank Dick has launched a staunch defence of her controversial decision to use Dr Ekkart Arbeit as a throwing coach.
Dick claims the East German is "perfect" for the role and that "no-one on the planet matches his abilities" to help the Olympic heptathlon champion defend her title in Athens next year. However, Arbeit is a former coach to the East German team and the man held responsible for the state-sponsored doping programme.
"I look at someone's skills first and didn't consider for a moment judging someone's history from about 15 years ago," Dick said. "My role is to make sure an athlete has access to the very best expertise in all areas. Looking at the package of skills and knowledge that came with Ekkart as a throwing coach, he was perfect.
"It was a bargain to get so much wrapped up in one person," he added. "No one on the planet matches his abilities.
"The German Democratic Republic was a cynical drugs culture," Dick admitted. "However since the Berlin Wall came down the individuals I know have emerged from the goldfish bowl existence and unequivocally condemned what they did in the past."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments