MONACO, Dec 5: The world governing athletics body has lifted a 12-month extension to a two-year doping ban on 1992 Olympic 5,000 metres champion Dieter Baumann, clearing the way for the 36-year-old German to compete next year.

Baumann was banned for two years after positive tests for the anabolic steroid nandrolone in October and November of 1999.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) decided to extend the ban from January 21 2002 by a further year after Baumann competed in the German indoor championships this year.

Last Monday the IAAF council rejected an application on behalf of Baumann for early reinstatement but set up a panel to consider the matter further.—Reuters