Johnson plea rejected

SEVILLE, AUG 16: Disgraced former world 100 metre champion Ben Johnson’s hopes of having his life ban lifted in time to compete in the Sydney Olympics were dashed here today by a Special Commission for the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF).

Athletics Canada had filed an application to the IAAF on Johnson’s behalf seeking his international reinstatement. But Istvan Gyulai, IAAF secretary general, reported: “After having spent a day with the athlete, accompanied by his solicitor and manager, we have recommended to the (IAAF) council not to agree to the request.”

The 37-year-old Johnson has twice been found guilty of doping. The first was three days after winning the 100M Olympic gold medal in Seoul in 1988 and the second was in Montreal in 1993.

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The commission investigating his case comprised Helmut Diegel, Robert Stinson and Gyulai, its chairman.

Johnson was seen by this three-man panel on August 3 in Monaco after the sprinter argued that new evidence supported his claim forreinstatement.

In June, Johnson had spoken about his hopes of being able to compete in Sydney.