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Last Updated: Thursday, 6 November, 2003, 13:37 GMT
Swimming chief backs clampdown
Swimming is the latest sport to target THG use
Britain's national performance director Bill Sweetenham believes every swimmer should have regular compulsory blood tests in the run-up to the Olympics.

Sweetenham backed the decision by the sport's world governing body, Fina, to re-test all samples from the world championships for the new steroid THG.

And he said the only way to catch drug cheats was with more zealous testing.

"The sooner compulsory blood testing comes into the sport the better," said the Australian.

"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.

"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."

Fina has announced that all 312 urine samples taken at the world championships in Barcelona in July will be re-tested for THG.

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

British Swimming's chief executive David Sparkes also backed 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," said Sparkes.




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