Swimming: Britain launch out of competition testing

British swimming is introducing out-of-competition dope testing for its elite squad, youth squad and all disabled competitors currently receiving Lottery Funding under the World Class Performance programme.

Only four sports in Britain already test outside competitions and swimming is the first to introduce the measure for its disabled athletes as well.

All those in the Great Britain squad and in the World Class Performance and Potential Youth Programme may now be tested without warning away from competition.

As it is not uncommon for promising teenagers to compete in senior international competition, it was felt they too should make themselves available in Britain.

Every 'World Class' swimmer over the age of 16, able-bodied or disabled, will now be obliged to let British Swimming know in advance their likely whereabouts over periods of three months.

Many top British swimmers are already subject to such testing by the sport's international governing body, FINA, and WADA, the World Anti Doping Agency, must also take part in this British testing programme.

David Sparkes, Chief Executive of British Swimming, said: "I know our swimmers will welcome this development. We want to offer would-be cheats no shelter."