Athletics South Africa (ASA) responded on Tuesday to an article that appeared in Rapport newspaper on September 30 regarding the non-ratification of Karen Mey’s recent long-jump South African record of 6,93m, achieved on July 7 in Bad Langensaiza, Germany.
ASA’s general manager, Linda Ferns, explained that the federation has not received any documentation from the athlete necessary to support the ratification of the record.
”Firstly, the process in ratifying a record is simple,” explained Ferns. ”ASA must get a record application form, together with the official results of the meeting, as well as the doping control results of the athlete. These are standard requirements for ratifying a record, not only in South Africa, but in the world over.
”The facts of matter are as follows: ASA was informed in July by the coach of the alleged record by Karen Mey. To date, we don’t even know if Miss Mey was tested for anti-doping control.
”We have been communicating with the coach, with the athlete’s club and with our provincial member, Athletics Gauteng North, for some time now and nothing has been forthcoming.
”So, until such time we receive the relevant documentation to substantiate the claim, we cannot and will not ratify the record.
”Secondly, Miss Mey did not seek permission from ASA to participate abroad, where she allegedly broke the record. All athletes who participate overseas must seek permission from ASA. This is also an IAAF rule. It is highly mischievous of Mr Strohmenger [the coach] to lay blame on ASA when he has not followed any of the procedures that govern the sport.
”The record will only be ratified once all the relevant documentation has been received, and considered,” Ferns concluded. — Sapa