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Lance Armstrong’s doping past got him kicked out of the pool.
Armstrong was forced to withdraw yesterday from the Masters South Central Zone Championships this week-end after swimming’s international federation raised objections to his participation.
The US Anti-Doping Agency banned Armstrong from sanctioned competition for life for his use of performance-enhancing drugs during a cycling career that included seven Tour de France titles.
US Masters Swimming
US Masters Swimming Executive Director Rob Butcher had said on Wednesday that Armstrong, who is a US Masters Swimming member, would be allowed to compete in his 40-44 age group because the event did not fall under USADA drug testing rules.
But FINA, swimming’s international federation, sent a letter to US Masters Swimming officials, saying that because US Masters Swimming is under its umbrella as a sanctioning body, it must recognise the World Anti-Doping Code and bar Armstrong from competition.
Armstrong spokesman Mark Higgins said that Armstrong contacted US Masters Swimming weeks ago about racing.
Armstrong, 41, was among the top qualifiers in the 40-44 age group in the 500, 1,000 and 1,650-yard free-style events.
“As of (Wednesday) evening, we were told he was welcome,” Higgins said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.
“That position changed and we were told he could not compete, so Lance will not be swimming.”
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