Ludwick Mamabolo

Yesterday, news broke that this year’s Comrades Marathon winner, Ludwick Mamabolo, had tested positive for the banned substance methylhexaneamine. It was also confirmed by South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport CEO, Khalid Galant.

Stimulants such as methylhexaneamine gives the athlete a heightened sense of awareness, energy and euphoria and could mask fatigue levels in a race such as the Comrades.

This is the same substance that got Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson in trouble in 2010.

If found guilty, Mamabolo could be stripped of his title, lose the R300 000 prize money, and face a sanction ranging from a warning, to a two-year ban. He is denying all allegations and now has less than 72 hours to decide if he wants to get his “B” sample tested for a second opinion.

Mamabolo is quoted on the Timeslive website:

I didn’t take any banned substances. 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.

[Source: News24 and TimesLive]