RABAT, Reuter: Morocco’s world 5,000 meters champion said Aquita says he will quit running after the Seoul Olympic Games later this year.
“T think that at 28 years old, [have run enough and it is better to leave through the front than the side door. I have decided to go to Seoul and then stop”, he told the Moroccan magazine the Matin Du Sahara in an interview published on Sunday.
Aquita, the 1,500 and 5,000 meters world record holder, added in reply to Suggestions that he would be able to compete up to the age of at least 32: “Yes, I know, but I don’t want to take this risk and finish with failure.”
Aquita has already said he intends to concentrate most of his efforts in 1988 on getting ready for thé 1.500 meters in Seoul.
CALGARY, Alberta, Can.: Reuter: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Sunday opted to impose financial penalties on countries boycotting the Summer Games.
STAFFORD, England: Teargas thrown by spectators held up the start of American Frank Tate’s world title defense against Tony Sibson on Sunday but could not stop him knocking out the British challenger in the 10th round.
OITA, Japan: Bruno Lafranchi of ‘Switzerland overtook Japan’s Futoshi Shinohara in the last 100 meters to win Swiss team at the Seoul Olympics in September.
The 32yearold Lafranchiwona gruelling race, in strong winds and cold weather, in two hours 11 minutes 59 second.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 12, 1988
