Swimming Australia defends Thorpe (questionable drug test)

[MaineDem]

Swimming Australia has raced to the defence of Ian Thorpe after allegations that he showed abnormal levels of banned substances in a 2006 dope test.

The allegations about the five-time Olympic champion, who retired last year, came from French paper L'Equipe.

The sport's world governing body FINA has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport on a doping test without naming the athlete concerned.

Swimming Australia's Glenn Tasker said: "I will support Ian 1000 per cent."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/swimming/6512893.stm

Australian prime minister John Howard said: "I don't intend to react to, let alone endorse, unsubstantiated allegations in a French newspaper. As far as I'm concerned, until solid evidence to the contrary is produced, Ian Thorpe remains a great Australian champion."

[joeybee12]

1. Why are the allegations always in French newspapers?

If I recall, that's where the rumors about Lance Armstrong started.

[Matilda]

2. You're right, the rumours did start in France.

I just don't think the French like anybody anywhere who can do something better than they can.

Thorpe has always been outspoken against drugs, and always complied with the drug-testing regime.
Somehow you just know that he's honest - not saying that because I'm Aussie (there have been some
of our swimmers I've had some doubts about in the past); it's just something about the man himself.

[joeybee12]

3. I just etnd to doubt all these allegations when they take

place after someone has retired.