Scandal-plagued running coach Wang Dexian has broken his silence for the first time after being sued by three of his former students for allegedly embezzling wages and bonuses.

"The truth will be told soon. I do not think it is right to use the media to express ideas and get what you want," Wang said.

Wang has remained tight lipped since three retired distance runners alleged in September that he failed to give back their wages and bonuses. The matter is set to appear in court on November 9.

"They have a clear mind as what has happened. I also know the truth. If people lose their conscience, do you think what they said made sense?" Wang said during an interview with CCTV on Monday.

Wang was also accused last week by the 2003 World Championships bronze medallist Sun Yingjie of regular whippings. Wang has been banned for life after Sun tested positive at last year's National Games and Sun received a two-year suspension for the cheating.

An official from the sport's governing body said it was impossible to allow Wang to coach again. "Incidents such as Sun claimed do exist in some of the local distance teams. Coaches have no respect of the athletes and some of them even scold and beat the athletes," said Luo Chaoyi, director of the Track and Field Administrative Centre. "We will not allow Wang to join in any of the national or international competitions. He is serving a life ban."

Sun told CCTV last week she was commonly beaten and scolded. "He beat me with a belt after I contradicted his wife. It is the most ruthless since I started training with him more than 10 years ago," she said.

(China Daily October 18, 2006)