IAAF Demands Reynolds’ Suspension

The world governing body for track and field demanded Wednesday that U.S. track officials reverse their decision to allow Butch Reynolds to compete in this week’s national championships in New York.

In a strongly worded statement, the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) warned that it could expel the American track authority--The Athletics Congress--unless it complies with the rules of the world body.

Reynolds, the 1988 Olympic silver medalist and the world record-holder at 400 meters, was suspended for two years by the IAAF based on a positive test for steroids following a meet last August in Monte Carlo. The ban also applied to Reynolds’ status with TAC.

On Monday, the American Arbitration Assn. temporarily lifted TAC’s suspension to allow him to compete in the track championships. Reynolds is scheduled to run in the 400-meter heats Thursday night.