13 U.S. Athletes Defy Boycott, Vie in S. Africa

Defying a boycott supported by U.S. track and field officials, 13 American athletes arrived today for a series of meets in South Africa that could again trigger long suspensions.

Six of the athletes and their coach, Dick Tomlinson, were banned from two to 12 years by U.S. track officials because they competed in South Africa last year.

They have returned, with seven new recruits, for an even more ambitious schedule, including two meets against South Africa’s national track and field team.

The six athletes returning today for their second trip to South Africa are hurdler Milan Stewart, a former U.S. college champion from West Covina; Dave Laut, a 1984 Olympic bronze medalist in the men’s shot put from Oxnard; long jumper Tyrus Jefferson; sprinter James Andrews; pole vaulter Tom Hintnaus, and James Robinson, the 1979 Pan American Games 800-meter champion.