No Games for Elana?
2003-05-21 21:28
Eben Human
Cape Town - Elana Meyer's name may be added to those of Okkert Brits and Burger Lambrechts this week as South African athletes who will not be allowed to participate in the Olympic Games in Athens next year.
Meyer tested positive for the stimulant caffeine on February 2 when she was in Bali to participate in a 10-kilometre race.
The B-sample test is to be carried out in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, said Linda Ferns of Athletics South Africa.
Lyndon Barends, chief executive of the National Olympic Committee of South Africa, has confirmed Nocsa's policy not to select athletes who tested positive for a banned substance in the four years prior to an Olympic Games.
This could shatter Meyer's dream of participating in the marathon in Athens next year. Meyer is the world record-holder in the half-marathon.
Michael Meyer, Elana's manager and husband, said on Wednesday that arrangements had been made for his wife to be accompanied by a representative during the B-sample test. The final result should be known soon.
"We're prepared for ASA's hearing and want to put the matter behind us as soon as possible," said Meyer.
Although a second positive test will only result in a warning to Meyer, it would damage her reputation and lead to Nocsa not selecting her for the Olympics in Athens.
Shot-putter Burger Lambrechts, who returned to competition only recently after a two-year suspension, and pole-vaulter Okkert Brits, who was warned after testing positive for a stimulant, would suffer the same fate.
Michael Meyer was surprised to hear that Nocsa could prohibit his wife from participating in the Games. Barends indicated that Nocsa might review individual cases on merit. However, such a request had not been received from either Brits or Lambrechts or their representatives.
Cyclist JP van Zyl was suspended for six months in 1999 after his testosterone levels tested too high. Nocsa subsequently refused to include him in the team for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
- Die Burger