Smith-de-Bruin Ban Upheld
1999-06-08

Michelle Smith-de-Bruin, lost her appeal against a four-year ban, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Monday.

FINA suspended the Irish swimmer last August, ruling that she had tampered with a urine sample which was taken from her in January 1998 and found to contain lethal levels of alcohol.

Some world-wide reaction to the news: Craig Lord, The Times (London, England) writes that this decision has brought ruination and an end to Smith's sporting career. "The judgement will not deprive Smith of any of her titles, Olympic or European, as those successes preceded the January 10, 1998 test. Lost, however, are Smith's hopes of clearing her name in time for the Sydney Olympics and any chance of capitalizing financially on her Atlanta performances."

Ireland was reeling from the news: "Yesterday's verdict will go down as a black day for Irish sport and will effectively end her swimming career," The Examiner daily said.