By Duncan Mackay

Donovan Bailey head and shouldersAugust 14 - Canada's former world 100 metres record holder Donovan Bailey has thrown his support behind Istanbul's bid to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics and praised Turkey for trying to eradicate its doping problem.


Bailey, the Atlanta 1996 Olympic 100m gold medallist, based himself in Istanbul when competing on the European circuit and was a member of Fenerbahçe SK, one of the country's top sports club best known for its football team. 

"Fenerbahçe was my first professional contract," Bailey told insidethegames.

"I actually hold the Turkish record for the 4x100 metres relay - I anchored the team in Málaga in 1994.

"I love the place, I love the people and I had an amazing time when I was there.

"It's a very laid-back place.

"The city has grown up so much since I competed there.

"This is one of the greatest places to visit as a tourist now.

"I've been recommending people to visit there for years.

"It's the perfect balance - you get the best of both worlds, Asia and Europe, the mix of cultures.

"It was cool waking up in Europe and heading over the bridge every morning to train in Asia."

Donovan Bailey wins Atlanta 1996Canada's Donovan Bailey, seen here winning the Olympic 100 metres gold medal at Atlanta 1996, believes Istanbul would host a great 2020 Olympics and Paralympics

Bailey is currently working for the BBC at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships in Moscow, which have been overshadowed by doping scandals, including 31 Turkish athletes being banned on the eve of the event.

Bailey, however, believes Turkey should be praised for trying to tackle the issue. 

"It's great that Turkey is taking the tough decisions right now so that they're building their athletic programme on a clean foundation," he told insidethegames.

"I think what they're doing now is absolutely right.

"They're working hard on detection and sanctions and educating the young."

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