U.S. Swimming Reverses Two-Year Ban on Foschi

In stunning action that could signal the beginning of an international controversy, U.S. Swimming’s board of directors Friday reversed its decision to ban Jessica Foschi for two years for testing positive for an anabolic steroid.

The board’s decision came as a result of this week’s ruling by FINA, swimming’s international governing body, to give Samantha Riley of Australia a warning instead of a two-year ban for testing positive for a painkiller during the short-course world championships in Brazil last December.

Steroids and narcotic analgesics are listed in the same category when determining sanctions, although an International Olympic Committee medical committee is expected to recommend today that painkillers be reclassified as a minor offense because they are not performance-enhancing agents.

Foschi, 15, of Old Brookville, N.Y., is expected to swim today in a New York regional meet. But she still could face an uphill battle to compete at the U.S. Olympic trials March 6-12 in Indianapolis if FINA or the U.S. Olympic Committee takes action to stop her. Her case also still might go before the American Arbitration Assn. next week in New York.

FINA officials praised U.S. Swimming’s decision 10 days ago to ban Foschi for testing positive for mesterolone, a steroid not manufactured in the United States.

Foschi testified before the board in Orlando, Fla., that she did not know how the drug got in her system during last summer’s nationals in Pasadena.

In its reversal, the board placed Foschi on two-years’ probation beginning Aug. 4, the day she tested positive.

“I respect the board’s decision in a difficult decision,” said Carol Zaleski, U.S. Swimming president.

After discussing the case by conference call for 1 1/2 hours Friday, the board decided FINA rules allow it to consider mitigating circumstances. The majority said last week that it had to ban Foschi because it did not matter how the drug was ingested, only that it was found.

In Riley’s case, while the world-record holder in the 100-meter breaststroke escaped with a warning, her coach was banned for two years for giving her the tablet.