Brazilian Swimmer Rebeca Gusmao Banned for Life
Rebeca Gusmao in 2003
The International Swimming Federation on Friday banned Brazilian star Rebeca Gusmao for life for failing two drug tests. She underwent a very visible transformation between 2003 and 2007, which can be seen in the attached photos.
September 5, 2008
The International Swimming Federation on Friday banned Brazilian star Rebeca Gusmao for life for failing two drug tests.
Lawyers for Gusmao say she'll appeal the decision. She had widely been expected to represent her country in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
In July, Gusmao received a second two-year doping suspension after a positive test for testosterone at a 2006 competition — a decision delayed by problems with the tests.
Testosterone was apparently found in Gusmao's system after a test at the Pan American Games in November of 2007, and she was originally given a two years suspension that was retroactive to that date. According to Venezuela's El Universal, as a result, Gusmao has lost the 4 medals she won at the Rio Games, as well as 2 won for the 50 and 100 meter categories, which have been given to a Venezuelan competitor, Arlene Semeco.Dubbed "the giant" because of her impressive body mass, it is believed that her particular body type and rapid change in appearance can be attributed to the use of testosterone. In May, Gusmao said that she would go to Beijing and bring a medal back for Brazil, saying "No athlete is psychologically stronger than I am, and no athlete wants to win as much as me."
Source: International Herald Tribune
del.icio.us
Digg
Email to a friend
Print version
Plain text
Comments (0 posted):
Post your comment