Steroid case 'tarnishes Nathan Allen victory'

[THE BOUNCER]

Drug case 'tarnishes Allen's victory' - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Athletics officials say the reputation of former Stawell Gift winner Nathan Allen has been tainted by his conviction for steroid importation.

The 30-year-old was arrested and charged on the eve of this year's race in Victoria's west, where he was due to defend his title.

Today in the Melbourne Magistrates Court, Allen pleaded guilty to importing steroids from Thailand.

The chief executive of the Victorian Athletic League, Mark Howard, says Allen's reputation has been tarnished.

"He's going to be one of those winners that you look back in history, you're not going to really appreciate or value his win," said Mr Howard.

The court was told the 2007 race winner wanted the drugs to assist his recovery from an ankle injury.

It was his dream to make the Australian athletics team for this year's Olympic Games in Beijing.

Allen told the court ordering the steroids was the stupidest thing he had ever done.

The Magistrate imposed a $2,000 fine.

Outside court, Allen said he was wrong to deal with the injury alone.

"Don't try and do everything by yourself," he said.

Allen says he will not be making a return to athletics.