Hannah England supports Olympic lifetime ban for guilty athletes

British athlete Hannah England believes that athletes should be omitted from competing in the Olympic Games if they are serving a drugs ban.

Questions have been raised over the validity of the current doping rules after American LaShawn Merritt won his appeal to overturn his London 2012 drugs ban.

"I think it's harsh but fair that athletes receive a lifetime ban from the Olympics if they take drugs," England told Sky Sports News.

"I think it's a good extra deterrent beyond a four-year ban, or whatever, that you are giving up something for life as well.

"I think athletes generally oppose anyone [who has been caught taking drugs] coming back for an Olympics."

The 24-year-old claimed silver in the 1500m at the World Championships this summer.