WE’RE CLUELESS ABOUT DOPING
COMRADES Marathon champion Ludwick Mamabolo has urged anti-doping and athletics authorities to educate athletes on which drugs to avoid, and on the processes and procedures of testing.
Mamabolo ’ s suspension for doping was lifted last Tuesday after a panel of experts found procedures at last year ’ s race were not up to scratch.
“We have many of our athletes who are in the dark in terms of doping tests and procedures, hence I urge the authorities to educate us on what to drink or avoid,” said a relaxed Mamabolo.
“During the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town on Easter Saturday, I spoke to many of our top athletes, including (former Comrades and Two Oceans winner) Fusi Nhlapo.
“Many of our runners are clueless when it comes to doping matters. I was tested seven times before winning the Comrades Marathon last year.
“I still did not know the procedure and my rights as an athlete until I started working with Werksmans Attorneys on this case,” said the athlete, who spent eight months in the wilderness as he fought his suspension.
“That is why I want (the) SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport and Athletics South Africa to help us: we need workshops on doping matters.
“I want to see Saids having a stall at the Comrades Marathon Expo, they need to tell us what to drink and eat as professional athletes.
“Some of our runners did not go to school, so they can ’ t read and write,” said Mamabolo.
“I do not drink nor smoke, I have always lived a clean life from childhood,” said the proud Zion Christian Church member.
Speaking at the same media briefing, Advocate Kate Hofmeyr said: “When we heard that Ludwick had tested positive, we asked him to bring all the medication and supplements he had been taking.
“We asked him to even bring empty bottles from inside the dustbin. We also took the coffees he has been drinking from his church. All those things were taken to the same laboratory; there was nothing wrong.”
In its ruling, Mamabolo was cleared because the testing station on the day of the Comrades was found to be lacking sufficient trained personnel with proper accreditation. Athletes were also not notified properly that they had been selected for testing.