Two Australian bobsleigh competitors in training for the Winter Olympics in Nagano next February have tested positive for steroids, Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates said yesterday. The two competitors, who have not been named, tested positive for stanozolol. The tests were conducted in September.

In light of the positive tests, Coates said Australian coaches and athletes should be cautious before accusing others of taking performance-enhancing drugs. Australian swimming coaches have been particularly vocal in their criticism of China.

Meanwhile, the British Athletics Federation have made 21 coaches and administration staff redundant following their cash crisis.

They include Bruce Longden, who guided former Olympic and World 400 metres hurdles champion Sally Gunnell throughout her career, and Carl Johnson, mentor to triple jump world record holder Jonathan Edwards.