South African sprinter hit with 2-yr ban over drug test

Popular South African sprinter Simon Magakwe has been suspended for two years after failing to provide a urine sample late last year.

Simon Magakwe had been in contention to feature in this year's World Championships in Beijing but will miss out on the competition as well as the 2016 Olympic Games.

National athletics association president Aleck Skhosana said the former African 100m champion was asked to take the test in South Africa last December, but declined.

"IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) rules must be observed," Skhosana said.

Magakwe did not appeal the ban, which runs until late January 2017.

He is the only South African to run a sub 10-second 100m, clocking 9.98 at the national championships last year.