South Africa's Sepeng reinstated after doping ban

DURBAN, South Africa, May 15 (Reuters) Former Olympic 800 metres silver medallist Hezekiel Sepeng has been reinstated after serving a two-year doping ban, Athletics South Africa (ASA) said today.

Sepeng, who won silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, tested positive for the steroid norandrosterone in February 2005 and was banned that May.

''According to the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) rules, Sepeng has completed the mandatory four out-of-competition tests during his two-year ineligibility period, and all tests have returned with negative results,'' ASA said in a statement.

''Sepeng is therefore free to compete in any athletics competition from May, 12 2007.'' Sepeng has denied taking performance-enhancing substances.

Reuters TB DB2232