NSW: Lawrence "bitterly disappointed" at drug scandal

AAP General News (Australia)
04-11-2001
NSW: Lawrence "bitterly disappointed" at drug scandal

One of Australia's most successful swimming coaches LAURIE LAWRENCE says he's bitterly
disappointed a drug scandal has tainted Australia's impeccable reputation in international
swimming.

His comments come after Australian Institute of Sport swimming coach GENNADI TOURETSKI
was suspended over charges of possessing the banned anabolic steroid Stanozolol yesterday.

TOURETSKI -- coach of Olympic gold medallist ALEX POPOV, of Russia, and Australian
Olympic gold medallist MiCHAEL KLIM -- will appear in court in Canberra tomorrow.

LAWRENCE says he is upset that inevitably Australia's anti-drugs reputation has been damaged.

He's told radio 2GB the Australian swimming family will be devastated.

LAWRENCE says Australia will feel the heat because it has been pushing the anti-drug
stance and will now bear the brunt of criticism worldwide.

Former swimmer, Olympic gold medallist MARK TONELLI says his first reaction was to
ask if the drugs had been planted.

He's told 2GB the Australian swim team has been tested more than any other.

He says Stanozolol is a drug which stays in the system for a long time.

TONELLI says a swimmer would be mad to take the drug, knowing they faced spot testing
at any time.

AAP RTV maur/rp/jtb

KEYWORD: TOURETSKI LAWRENCE (SYDNEY)

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