Fed: Touretski suspended over anabolic steroid allegations

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2001
Fed: Touretski suspended over anabolic steroid allegations

By Denis Peters

CANBERRA, April 10 AAP - Top swimming coach Gennadi Touretski has been suspended from
the Australian Institute of Sport following allegations of illegal possession of anabolic
steroids, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) said today.

ASC executive director Mark Peters said the suspension, on full pay, was pending the
outcome of a court case in which Mr Touretski would answer allegations of illegal possession
of a small quantity of banned steroids.

"I am advised by Mr Touretski that the allegation is denied," Mr Peters said.

"Any further comment on his case will only be made by Mr Touretski's solicitor."

Mr Touretski, a Russian, coaches swimmers including Australian Olympic medallist Michael
Klim and Russia's Olympic gold medallist Alexander Popov.

Federal Sports Minister Jackie Kelly said she would not comment on the charge, saying
it was a matter for the courts.

However, she said the government would remain tough on drugs in sport.

"The government will not tolerate drugs in sport and will maintain the most rigorous
drug-testing regimen in the world," she said in a statement.

Her immediate concern was for the well-being and reputation of the Australian swimming team.

"I wish to make it clear that I have absolute confidence in our athletes and the rigour
of drug-testing these and other high performance athletes are subjected to by the Australian
Sports Drug Agency," she said.

Just last week, three medals valued at more than $60,000 including an Olympic gold
from Popov, a Commonwealth gold from Klim and an Olympic bronze from Russian swimmer Gennady
Prigoda were stolen from Mr Touretski's house.

They were later recovered by police.

The medals had been presented to Mr Touretski by his swimmers in recognition of his efforts.

AAP dp/kjp/br

KEYWORD: TOURETSKI LEAD

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