Former sprinter Ben Johnson has said that the American public will forgive Lance Armstrong for doping during his cycling career.

The cyclist admitted using drugs to enhance his performance, including during his seven Tour de France wins, during an interview with Oprah Winfrey this week.

Johnson, who was banned from athletics for using steroids at the 1988 Olympics, told BBC Radio Five Live: "American people will forgive him. I think people will judge him differently, based on what he did for humanity and for cancer.

"I don't think it will be tough for him to make a living. I hope he can move on and do good things. If he can find some way to make a living he will be fine."

Armstrong confirmed that he had used EPO, testosterone, cortisone and blood transfusions during his career.