Eligibility of Ireland’s Smith for 400 Freestyle Today at Issue

There will be an International Court of Sport hearing in Atlanta this morning regarding the status of Ireland’s Michelle Smith, according to sources.

Smith, who won Ireland’s first gold medal by a woman with her stunning performance in the 400-meter individual medley on Saturday, is the subject of a dispute regarding her status in today’s 400 freestyle.

Her time of 4 minutes 8.64 seconds is the fastest in the world in 1996, but it was recorded at a meet in mid-July, past the cutoff date of July 1 for entry times. Several countries are believed to be protesting her entry. The International Court of Sport is the final stage of appeal.