"My doping is Jesus" - World record breaker responds to cheat taunts

10,000 metres Olympic gold medallist Almaz Ayana has defended herself from allegations of drug use by saying, "My doping is Jesus."

The Ethiopian athlete won an extraordinary 10,000 in a stunning world record time.

Ayana smashed a 23-year-old world record to win the greatest-ever women's 10,000 meters and was then immediately forced to defend herself in the face of doping allegations.

Ayana clocked 29 minutes 17.45 seconds, an incredible 14 seconds inside the 29:31.78 set by China's Wang Junxia in 1993.

No woman had gone under 30 minutes in the last seven years, but the first four all did on Friday, and the first 13 finishers ran the best time of their lives, including several national records.

Ayana had barely completed her victory lap before the questions started, and in her news conference she denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

"My doping is my training, my doping is Jesus. I am crystal clear," she said through an interpreter.

Additional reporting by Reuters.

News
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight

The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has come under pressure over her handling of past safeguarding cases. 

Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial

A leading figure among conservative evangelical Anglicans will not stand trial for alleged abuse, it has emerged.

Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings
Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings

The Church of England's House of Bishops has postponed a final decision on the Living in Love and Faith process as it continues to work on proposals. 

Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas
Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas

Anna Hawken, Parenting for Faith from BRF Ministries, has some helpful tips for families to connect with God in the midst of the "December tornado".