In a dark week for Russian Swimming, where they suspended five athletes for doping violations, they reduced one suspension upon appeal.
Swimmer Natalia Lovtsova was initially suspended for two-and-a-half years beginning on March 5th, 2013. Upon appeal to the federation’s national court of arbitration, her suspension was reduced to two years and begun officially on April 30th, 2012.
Lovtsova was a Russian Olympian who swam on their 400 free relay that ultimately finished 10th (she split 55.00 on their 2nd leg – the relay’s second-fastest split).
No explanation was given for Lovtsova’s reduced suspension, and FINA has not (publicly) nullified the result of that race, though we’ve asked for comment based on the new information.
Russian swimmer Natalia Lovtsova recognized ineligible
Below is the right information on the date of commencing of DQ:
March 16, 2013
The Russian Swimming Federation, following the materials provided by RUSADA, rendered a decision that made Natalia Lovtsova ineligible for 2,5 years for the anti-doping rule violation, the period commencing on November 30, 2012.
Russian Anti-Doping Agency “RUSADA” has been informed about the decision.
RUSADA Press Service
Doping Offence – Natalia Lovtsova (RUS)
On November 19, 2012, a swimmer Natalia Lovtsova (RUS) was tested positive to the substance Methylhexaneamine (Class S.6 Stimulants) following a doping control test conducted with the occasion of the Russian National Swimming Championships in Volgograd.
The Russian Swimming Federation, taking into consideration that it was the second violation of anti-doping rules by Natalia Lovtsova, imposed a sanction of 2,5 (two and a half) years’ ineligibility on the athlete starting on November 30, 2012.
– Look, the doping offence was registered on 30th of November 2012, but suspension imposed by the Russian Swimming Federation starts by April 12 2012!!!! How it is possible??? So we may see Lovtsova at the LC European… Read more »
It makes me wonder how many top swimmers who are actually clean.