Lewis keeps eyes on the prize amid drug cheat controversy
Australian 800 metres runner Tamsyn Lewis says she will be focusing on her race - and not drug cheats - as she prepares to begin her campaign for an Olympic medal.
Lewis sparked controversy last week when she complained that she would be racing against drug cheats at the Beijing Games.
Australian team officials said they would encourage athletes to raise concerns about doping internally and not through the media.
But Lewis says she does not back away from what she said.
"I didn't realise what I'd said was such a big deal," she said.
"You'd have to be naive to think there weren't drugs in sport.
"Especially when the favourite in my event, the girl who's the fastest, was done for drugs two weeks ago."
Lewis was referring to Yelena Soboleva, who was one of a group of Russian track and field athletes suspended from the Games after allegations they tampered with their drugs test.
Soboleva had recorded the best times in the 800 and 1500m events this year.
"I didn't think my comment was that bad," Lewis said.
"I was disillusioned a little bit by what's going on."
Primed and ready
Lewis was speaking to reporters on arrival in Beijing after three days of preparation with other members of the track and field team in Hong Kong.
"It's probably been one of the best preparations I've had," she said.
"I feel really great and I'm ready to compete on Friday; it's my third Olympic games, and I know what to expect.
"It's going to be a huge challenge and I just want to get out there and get as close to my best as I can."
But she says she will not be speaking further about the drugs issue.
"I said what I said and I meant it and I'm not taking it back," she said.
"But all I want to do is concentrate on racing."
Lewis will take to the track in heats of the 800m on Friday.