Todd's in, that's all, says Olympic body

By STAFF REPORTER cpdand NZPA

Double Olympic gold medallist Mark Todd has been officially cleared to compete at the Sydney games.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee said last night that it had finished investigating claims that Todd had used illegal drugs, and he would remain a member of the New Zealand team.

A three-sentence statement from the committee concluded: "The matter is now closed."

At his English home last night, Todd said the decision was "not before time."

"I'm getting on with the job of building up for Sydney so I'm pleased with the decision."

The inquiry followed allegations by Britain's Sunday Mirror that he snorted cocaine with a gay lover in an Oxford hotel room. A week later, the New Zealand Equestrian Federation approved his selection for Sydney.

The paper criticised his selection, finding it astonishing that no officials asked to see video film it said it had of the alleged encounter.

Sunday Mirror deputy editor Fiona Wyton said last night that the committee obviously had not explored the story, "and we're surprised that they've never approached us to do so."

"It is entirely up to the Olympic committee what they do. We've always said that we would cooperate with them fully."

The paper had made it clear that it would make its evidence available to the committee.

Cocaine is on the International Olympic Committee's list of banned substances. Todd has never failed a drugs test in the sport.

The NZOC would not reveal yesterday the scope of its inquiries or comment further on Todd's retention.

Secretary-general Mike Hooper said the organisation had not been in contact with the Sunday Mirror.

"I have had no correspondence, be it verbal, written or otherwise, with the Sunday Mirror ... No such offer has been forthcoming ... It has not been sought."

The Equestrian Federation and Eventing NZ supported Todd's participation at the games, saying they had no proof of illegal drug-taking.

Todd said the controversy had not affected the work of preparing his horses for Sydney in September. He said his three potential Olympic horses were all fit and sound.