A lifetime period of ineligibility as described in the Code prevents Mr. Armstrong from participating in any activity or competition organized by any signatory to the Code or any member of any signatory.
I'm no lawyer but that statement would seem to preclude LA from participating in masters practices too.
Well, if Lance does decide to try this route to get into a competition I really hope he wears an eye patch.
Would it suffice to wear a set of goggles with one dark, outside lens and one clear, inside lens? Would he have to swim at a meet on International Talk Like a Pirate Day? Yarr...
Is this really the way you feel about USMS?
If so, then why bother going to the meet at all? Why should USMS even have meets? Why should there be top 10 lists, NQTs, and everything else that gets people all heated up on here? Heck, why even have USMS forums?
Whether or not you believe or agree with it, an athlete was banned from participating in any organized athletic competition for the rest of his life. I don't know how more specific it can get. Aren't USMS meets organized athletic competitions? Why the heck would you--and many others--fly across country to swim in a meet if you felt, "it is only masters swimming?"
As I said in an earlier post, he tried entering the Chicago marathon last year, and they rejected his application. Nearly any competition has a clause when you enter saying that it is up to them to determine if you're allowed in or not.
I for one am happy that FINA stepped in and put a stop to the madness. But I am disappointed that USMS didn't do anything without being scolded first.
Amen aztimm! I totally agree with you. I do not feel like LA's situation is a joke and I feel like his ban should be observed and enforced. Cheaters SUCK!!
What's missing in all these comments is the assertion that LA knew exactly what he was doing all along and was trying to find a way to sneak back into competition. He continues to poke and prod various organizations to see which one will allow him to compete. It is further proof he does not accept personal responsibility for his actions. Does anyone really think a person who managed for a decade to elude and evade multiple international sporting and anti-doping agencies didn't know precisely how to attempt a manipulation of USMS? If so, wake up.
From USADA's press release dated August 24, 2012:
A lifetime period of ineligibility as described in the Code prevents Mr. Armstrong from participating in any activity or competition organized by any signatory to the Code or any member of any signatory.
www.usada.org/.../sanction-armstrong8242012
You mean like a state medical board that could revoke a physician's license to practice medicine?Yes, exactly like that. Except your state medical board also bans the physician from getting any work in any field; even jobs not related to medicine.
Say that we allow him to compete. Say that he scores 15:20 over 1500m LCM at worlds. What the heck would your reaction be?My reaction would be similar to my reaction when an athlete, who banned because of a positive drug test, after serving his suspension, won the Olympic 1500m. Albeit his time was 14:40 not 15:20.
