Philips Idowu, former Triple Jump World Champion and Olympic Silver medallist, was today banned from driving for two years and ordered to carry out 50 hours community service after pleading guilty to being almost three times over the legal drinking limit.
The 34-year-old, who helped raise over £1million for Comic Relief earlier this year, was banned for two years by Chelmsford Magistrates, but could still see this reduced by six months if he attends a ‘rehabilitation course’ for drink-driving offenders.
Idowu surprisingly turned his back on athletics “for the foreseeable future” in July, and will now face a £145 fine and 50 hours of unpaid community work to accompany his two year ban.
Idowu, who failed a roadside breathalyzer test by police on September 20th, has now brought a cloud of disarray over the sport which is still recovering from the positive drugs tests of many high-profile athletes earlier this year.
True athletics fans can only hope that this does not tarnish the much loved sport, and Idowu’s individual achievements any further.
