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Swim star Shayna Jack’s emotional post after two-year doping ban

CAS has cut the doping ban of Shayna Jack to two years.

CAS has cut the doping ban of Shayna Jack to two years. Photo: Getty

Australian Shayna Jack has spoken of her “gratitude” after four-year doping suspension was halved overnight, meaning she can resume her swimming career in 2021.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled on Monday that Jack must serve a two-year ban after returning a positive sample to Ligandrol.

Jack, who has consistently denied breaching sport’s tough doping rules, was originally suspended for a maximum four years despite pleading her innocence at an Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority hearing.

The 22-year-old returned a positive sample in an out-of-competition test at an Australian team training camp in June 2019 as she prepared for the world championships in South Korea.

In handing down its finding, CAS said Jack did not knowingly take Ligandrol.

“The sole arbitrator in charge of this matter found, on the balance of probabilities, that Shayna Jack did not intentionally ingest Ligandrol and considered that she had discharged her onus of proving that the anti-doping rule violation was not intentional.”

Ligandrol is supposed to add muscle mass without the side effects of steroids.

Jack’s ban will be backdated to the start of her provisional suspension from July 2019. She can return to competition in July 2021 – but not in time for the Tokyo Olympics, which start on July 23, 2021.

In statement on social media, Jack said was looking forward to returning to the pool.

“The CAS have confirmed in emphatic terms that I did not intentionally, knowingly or recklessly use Ligandrol in any manner,” she posted on Instagram.

“I have proven that I have not ever cheated, nor used prohibited substances intentionally or knowingly.

“I will still incur two years out of the sport in which I love. I cannot change the rules and the rules will remain as they are for the time being.

“Therefore, I accept this decision with a positive attitude and with gratitude that my career as a swimmer will resume next year.

“I have never doubted myself for a minute throughout this ordeal and I have never allowed my integrity to be compromised.

“I walk a little taller tonight with the fact that this ordeal is finally over.

“I am returning to swimming – the sport that I have loved all my life and the sport that I will cherish just that little bit more ongoing.”

Jack’s appeal to CAS was heard on September 25 and September 28.

-with AAP

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