JOHANNESBURG: Track veteran Zola Budd has pulled out of a marathon in her native South Africa, citing a viral infection, her sponsor The Unlimited said on its site.
Budd, 47, was set to run at Sunday’s Comrades Marathon in Durban, but withdrew after suffering flu-like symptoms.
Budd, a South African native, represented the UK at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles to avoid an IAAF ban on South Africa for its apartheid laws. She is remembered for inadvertently tripping American runner Mary Decker in the 3,000-meter final, in which both women were considered favorites.
As an 18-year-old, Budd broke the 5,000-meter record competing for the UK after her record set in South Africa the previous year was not recognized by the IAAF.
Budd currently lives in the United States.
Zola Budd out of race in South Africa
Zola Budd out of race in South Africa
Karim Benzema joins Al-Hilal
RIYADH: Karim Benzema has joined Al-Hilal after leaving Al-Ittihad, the Riyadh club announced early Tuesday.
The former French international was introduced with a post on social media, “Karim Benzema is officially Hilali.”
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who scored eight goals in 14 league matches this season, joined on a free transfer, his new club added.
Though this chapter comes to an end “respect and gratitude will always remain,” the Frenchman said.
“Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and especially the fans for the welcome, the love, and the energy you gave me every day,” Benzema wrote on social media.
“This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and of everything we shared.”
Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after 14 seasons with Real Madrid. Last season he scored 21 goals as Al-Ittihad won the league.
This season Al-Ittihad trail leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points.
— with input from Reuters
