Athletics Africa Magazine

The IAAF has banned the Ghanaian male athlete, Aziz Zakari for two years. Zakari was provisionally suspended by the athletics governing body on July 11, 2006 following an adverse analytical finding for the prohibited substance, Stanozolol (S1. Anabolic Agents) in his system after a routine doping test. The test was conducted In-Competition (IC) on April 29, 2006 at the IAAF Grand Prix Meeting in Dakar, Senegal. IAAF spokesman Nick Davies said that analysis of Zakari's backup "B" sample confirmed the original positive finding. Under IAAF rules the minimum sanction for a first violation for Stanozolol is ineligibility for 2 years. Zakari has a career best time of 9.99 seconds in the 100 metres. So what do you think of this punishment? do you think the IAAF is doing enough to eradicate drugs use in the sport? lets have your comments below. AthleticsAFRICA

The African men's team begins the defence of their title won in Madrid four years ago as the two-day 10th IAAF World Cup kicks off this afternoon in Athens, Greece. Star watch: Gary Kikaya (Congo, 400m Watch out for events results and day's highlights on AthleticsAFRICA .com

“Throughout the last two months, I have heard stories that I was the most likely to fail. But I believe in myself and my ability. I simply ignore such stories and comments.” [ Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia ]. Tough words from a lovely sista. I just love this woman's confidence. Dibaba has won races in Oslo, Paris, Rome, Zurich, and Brussels to remain in the hunt for a share of the entire $1 Million jackpot. The Ethiopian World 5000m and 5000m champion is within touching distance of a share of the IAAF Golden League Jackpot. The DKB-ISTAF Berlin, the final meeting of the series, takes place this Sunday (3 Sep) at the world famous 1936 Olympic stadium in the German capital. Watch out on this space AthleticsAFRICA