LEN Press Release

Russian Duet Disqualified From European Championships

In accordance with the resolution of the FINA Doping Panel, the LEN decided to disqualify the Russian Team from the Synchronised Swimming Duet Final at the recent European Swimming Championships in Helsinki (FIN), June 28 - July 9 2000.

Maria Kisseleva, component of the Russian Duet that had won the Gold Medal, tested positive for ephedrine (a stimulant) on urine samples collected from her after the Duet Final competition on July 1, 2000.

The new classification of the Synchronised Swimming Duet Final at the European Swimming Championships is as follows:

1. France (FRA)
2. Spain (ESP)
3. Italy (ITA)
4. Greece (GRE)
5. Switzerland (SUI)
6. Ukraine (UKR)
7. Netherlands (NED)

France will be awarded the team trophy for the best Nation in Synchronised Swimming at the European Championships of 2000. The Russian Duet will be requested to return the medals awarded, for a presentation to the French Duet, and respectively Silver and Bronze to Spain and Italy, at a time and date to be decided later.

In order to harmonise the application of dopiing control regulations on the international level, and in accordance with the new LEN General Event Rules adopted by the LEN Congress on 13 May 2000, LEN reported and will report all adverse findings from doping controls carried out at the LEN Events to FINA for their further consideration.

83 urine samples had been collected from athletes participating in the European Championships in Helsinki. The IOC accredited laboratory of Helsinki reported back 82 negatives and 1 adverse finding as above.

LEN Office, 9 August 2000