British Swimming has welcomed the decision by world governing body FINA to re-test athlete samples provided at this summer’s World Championships in Barcelona following controversy surrounding designer steroid tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) in other sports.

FINA has investigated the evolution of the THG steroid, recently uncovered within the world of athletics, and, from its findings, the governing body decided that further tests on the 312 urine samples collected in Barcelona are necessary.

The samples will now be transferred to an International Olympic Committee/World Anti-Doping Agency laboratory for THG analysis in Spain.

British Swimming Chief Executive Mr David Sparkes has welcomed the move.

“FINA has been at the forefront of the fight against doping and the re-testing of samples from the World Championships will demonstrate its continued commitment,” explained Mr Sparkes.

His views have been echoed by British Swimming National Performance Director Mr Bill Sweetenham who sees the analysis of the samples as being essential.

“I fully support this decision by FINA to re-test all samples and think it highlights the fact that dope testing should be compulsory for all athletes.

“The sooner compulsory blood testing comes into the sport the better. Every athlete that swims at the Olympics next year for instance should have at least six blood samples taken at regular periods throughout the previous two years. This would help to eliminate drugs in sport and provide nowhere for cheats to hide.”

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Contact: Dave Richards, Senior Press Officer British Swimming, on 01509 618756, mobile 0778 992 6136 or email david.richards@swimming.org

British Swimming is the National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Open Water in Great Britain. It is responsible internationally for the high performance representation of the sport. The members of British Swimming are the three Home Countries national governing bodies of England (Amateur Swimming Association), Scotland (Scottish Amateur Swimming Association) and Wales. (Welsh Amateur Swimming Association) British Swimming seeks to enable its athletes to achieve gold medal success at the Olympics, Paralympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

Published: 6 November