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Ex-head of world athletics jailed for corruption

Lamine Diack was once the head of world athletics' governing body, but his race was run on Wednesday (September 16) when he was convicted of corruption in a Russian doping scandal within the sport.

The 87-year-old was sentenced to at least two years in prison for taking millions of dollars in bribes in return for orchestrating the cover up of athlete test results that enabled them to continue competing.

The offences spanned several high-profile competitions, including competitors in the 2012 London Olympics.

Former French marathon runner Christelle Daunay, who helped bring the case to court, was relieved at the decision.

"You can't see the smile on my face with the mask I'm wearing but I'm very happy to have been recognized as a victim of the corruption by the IAAF leaders and I'm also happy for all the athletes who were... we need to continue the fight against doping, and to have been recognised that this is important for us."

The court in Paris heard how Diack solicited bribes totaling more than $4 million from athletes suspected of drugs cheating, and then paid off other officials within the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to aid with the cover up.

Diack lawyers immediately said they would appeal the decision, which included a further two years suspended jail time and a $594,000 fine - calling it unjust and inhumane.