George Gandy, Loughborough's infamous director, was awoken in the early hours and informed of the story but refused to issue any comment. However, a spokesman for Ian Anholm described the accusations as "absolute nonsense" and promised "full and comprehensive reprisals" for the Sun. "It will be a long time before they get anywhere near one of our press conferences again," thundered the source this morning, "it is absolutely shocking journalism." UK Athletics have stood by the Loughborough stance and have said that it is "very unlikely" that the accusations can be conclusively proven. A growing throng of journalists is now gathering around the club's training centre and, despite instructions not speak to the media, some athletes have voiced "shock and horror" that their peers may not have been giving 100% to every session. "It's hugely upsetting," said one athlete who did not want to be named, "you train with people day in day out then something like this ruins everything."
The Sun meanwhile has promised more revelations in the coming days. As well as naming the athletes in the centre of this scam, the paper claims to have evidence of the black market dealing of physio vouchers and unauthorised access to the ice baths. "It is a week that will rock Loughborough to its very foundations," said a Sun insider, "for too long now the authorities have overlooked the blatant foul play going on in the East Midlands - we are going to blow the lid on it all."