Risking life suspensions, 13 U.S. track and...

Risking life suspensions, 13 U.S. track and field athletes competed in South Africa’s first international track and field meet in 12 years, at Pretoria.

Frank Greenberg of The Athletics Congress, the U.S. governing body of track and field, said the athletes will be suspended. Once the suspension is levied, the athletes will have a 30-day period to appeal to the National Athletics Review Board, set up by TAC.

Dick Tomlinson, coach of the team, however, said the athletes would fight in court if U.S. officials suspend athletes who competed in South Africa in violation of the international sports boycott.

Among the U.S. winners were Dave Laut, 66 feet 1 1/2 inches in the shotput; Milan Stewart, 13.55 seconds in the 110-meter high hurdles, and 1988 Olympian Carol Cady, 200-1 in the women’s discus. The marks broke South African records.

Another South African record was broken by pole vaulter Tom Hintnaus, who lives in the United States but represents Brazil. He cleared 17-4 1/2.