AUST. AND S. AFRICA

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32252, 21 March 1970, Page 13

AUST. AND S. AFRICA

Athletics Ties Cut (N.Z Press Assn.—Copyright) ADELAIDE. Australia has severed its athletics ties with South Africa until the Republic’s status has been reviewed by the International Amateur Athletic Federation. The Amateur Athletic Union of Australia decided at its meeting yesterday that exchanges of visits between athletes of the two countries would stop until “the situation is clarified.” A statement by the union I president (Mr R. Aitken), did not elaborate on “the situation” but this is understood to refer to decisions by a number of countires not to compete against South Arica in sports because of their opposition to apartheid. It is understood that the international federation is awaiting discussions on South Africa at the International Olympic Committee meeting in Amsterdam in May. South Africa has been excluded from the last two Olympic Games. The Australian sprinter, P. Norman, a silver medallist in the 1968 Olympic 200 metres, had been invited to run in South Africa next week. A request also was received from South Africa for a team from the Republic to contest the 1970 Australian fhampionships. Australia’s decision in athletics, however, is in contrast to its swimming policy. A team of eight is at present competing in Sputh Africa.