Former 7-time Tour-de-France Champion Lance Armstrong has been banned from professional cycling, USA Swimming, and most other top-level sporting organizations after admitting to repeated use of performance-enhancing drugs during his illustrious career. Namely, any organization that falls under the umbrella of WADA – the World Anti-Doping Agency – is required by their signature on the World Anti-Doping Code to forbid Armstrong’s participation.
Among the largest sporting organizations, however, that are not subject to those rules is U.S. Masters Swimming, and according to the Austin American Statesman, that is where Armstrong will seek his new competitive outlet.
Armstrong was a very good swimmer as a child, and after his cycling career ended, he became a high-level competitive triathlete. He’s even swum in at least one USA Swimming sanctioned meet in the last few years: the Longhorn Aquatics 2012 New Years Invitational.
Swimming against mostly high school swimmers, he placed 21st in the 500 yard free in 5:08.11. That’s roughly 30 seconds away from the age group record for the 41-year old Armstrong, but still a good time.
According to the psych sheets (which you can see here), Armstrong will swim both the 500 yard free again, and this time add the 1000 and 1650 yard freestyles: the two longest events on the schedule. He is the 3rd seed in the 500 and the 1650, and the 2nd seed in the 1000.
Among other recognizable names entered in the meet are former Olympian and World Record holder Jim Montgomery, Ande Rasmussen, Masters World Record holder Steve Wood, and another Masters World Record holder David Guthrie.
This is absolutely ridiculous and goes against everything masters swimming stands for. Is Lance not allowed to be healthy and fit anymore because of something he did in another sport?? I thought swimming would be classier than how they have conducted themselves thus far. Furthermore, if he wasn’t allowed to compete-why did they even let him register? Make a decision and stick with it (which is pretty hard for FINA to do as evident from breastroke rule changes over the last 10 years).
But I pulled this DIRECTLY off the masters swimming site
U.S. Masters Swimming
Mission Statement
To promote fitness and health in adults by offering and supporting Masters swimming programs.
Goals and Objectives
To encourage… Read more »
http://swimswam.com/usms-armstrong-is-not-eligible-to-race-in-usms-competitions/
FINA fight with USMS to kick him out of this competition. Amstrong finally dismissed this week from that competition.
http://www.lapresse.ca/sports/autres-sports/sports-aquatiques/201304/04/01-4637573-lance-armstrong-renonce-a-une-competition-de-natation.php
I think “psychotic” and “pathetic” are VERY strong words to be throwing out there about an individual that has done so much for not only the cycling world but also started a solid charitable organization. He has inspired many people through the years. Whether you see his achievements in cycling as a fraud or not, you can’t disrespect the good he has done with his fame. Cycling in the US was rarely ever covered before he became a star. This is similar to swimming before Phelps.
I will admit that I have not followed the WADA scandal as closely as maybe some of you have but to me there was no tactical advantage to Lance fighting this any longer.… Read more »
I was feeling sorry for the guy until a friend sent me the twitter pic Lance indignantly put up of himself lying on his couch with the 7 framed jerseys adorning the walls while he was under federal investigation. I can’t say it’s right to blackball the guy from masters swimming, but I can understand why people want a pound of flesh from this guy. More importantly, I hope all those swimming in the South Central Masters Zones nail their starts and turns. I want to hear about best times from everyone and not about some self-absorbed guy who cheated. Swimming is better than that!
Let him swim. I hate what he did. I hate liars and cheaters, but I hate USA Swimming and FINA more. If USMS rules do not prevent Armstrong from swimming – LET HIM SWIM. USA Swimming does not follow their posted rules and regulations – they prevent eligible athletes from competing – they promote cheating – they encourage cheating – then they cover up. What’s the difference between them and Armstrong?
If FINA did file a protest directly to USMS – USMS should ignore it – or shelve it for years like USA Swimming. Armstrong should file a protest to swim.
http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/04/04/lance-armstrong-drops-out-of-swimming-event-after-fina-outcry/
The BBC today is reporting that Armstrong has been withdrawn from this meet after FINA has filed a protest directly to USMS.
Why do I have to go to England to get my news???
Probably the best possible outcome. USMS doesn’t really need the kerfuffle.