SYDNEY - Athletics Australia has rejected claims of racial vilification and discrimination made by 400-meter runner John Steffensen before the London Olympics.
Steffensen, born in Australia and of African heritage, claimed racism was behind him not getting a starting berth in the individual 400-meters at London.
The 2006 Commonwealth Games champion also claimed he was the subject of racial slurs by team officials during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Athletics Australia said in a statement Thursday that the racial vilification and discrimination claims "cannot be substantiated either generally or in relation to his non-selection in the individual men's 400."
He must appear before an independent tribunal next month to answer to breaches of AA's code of conduct and could be suspended.
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