Greek sprinters and coach deny BALCO links

By Karolos Grohmann

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greek sprinters Katerina Thanou and Costas Kenteris and their former coach Christos Tzekos had no links with the BALCO laboratory at the centre of U.S. sport's biggest doping scandal, their lawyers said on Tuesday.

Lawyers for the trio held a news conference following speculation in the Greek media about links with the laboratory.

"They deny any involvement with the BALCO case. The Kenteris-Thanou-Tzekos case regarding BALCO is now closed," said Nikos Kollias, one of two lawyers present.

"Greek prosecutors have gone over the file requested from the United States and they have shelved this case a few days ago," Kollias said.

Kenteris and Thanou, who were training partners, withdrew from the Athens 2004 Olympics after missing a doping test on the eve of the Games.

They served a two-year suspension, admitting to violating anti-doping rules, but have never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

SYDNEY GOLD