Share

Mamabolo denies cheating

Cape Town - This year’s Comrades Marathon winner, Ludwick Mamabolo, has denied using a banned substance to win this year's 89km race and has less than 72 hours to decide if he wants to get his 'B' sample tested, according to the EWN website.

VIDEO: Comrades winner's family shocked

The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) on Tuesday confirmed that it had suspended Mamabolo for testing positive for a banned substance, methylhexaneamine, specified on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list.

It is the same substance that landed Springbok stars Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson in trouble in 2010.

If found guilty, the 35-year-old Limpopo accountant could be stripped of his title, lose the R300 000 prize money and face a sanction ranging from a warning up to a two-year ban.

"I didn't take any banned substances," Mamabolo was quoted as saying by the Timeslive website.

"The stuff that I use is what I have normally used throughout the years I have been running Comrades.

"I am confident that I will be found not guilty."

Mamabolo completed the 89km 'down' run between Pietermaritzburg and Durban in 5:31.03, to become the first South African winner of the race in seven years. Mamabolo also finished second in 2010.

Should he be stripped of his title, compatriot Bongmusa Mthembu will be declared the winner.

Top 10 in 2012 Comrades:

1. Ludwick Mamabolo (RSA) 5:31:03
2. Bongmusa Mthembu (RSA) 5:32:40

3. Leboka Noto (LES) 5:33:07
4. Marko Mambo (ZIM) 5:33:44
5. Leonid Shvetsov (RUS) 5:35:12
6. Stephen Muzhingi (ZIM) 5:38:02
7. Lephetesang Adoro (LES) 5:38:05
8. Gift Kehele (RSA) 5:38:39
9. Claude Moshiywa (RSA) 5:39:10
10. Petros Sosibo (RSA) 5:40:13

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE