The disgraced cyclist is signed up to swim three events this weekend at the Masters South Central Zone Swimming Championships at the University of Texas. Armstrong spokesman Mark Higgins said on Wednesday that Armstrong, 41, will compete in the 40-44 age group in the 500-, 1,000- and the 1,650-yard freestyle.
Rob Butcher, executive director of US Masters Swimming, said the organisation is not covered under the same anti-doping rules as the US Anti-Doping Agency, which banned Armstrong for life from its sanctioned events for his performance-enhancing drug use during his cycling career.
“Our mission, dating back to the 60s, is we encourage adults to swim,” Butcher said. “Lance is a member of USMS so he is eligible to swim.”
But the US Master’s Swimming web site suggests US Masters Swimming falls under the umbrella of FINA, the international swimming federation, which is covered by the World Anti-Doping Code that bars Armstrong from competing. The web site portion covering rules links to the FINA Masters rules, which states FINA adopted the World Anti-Doping Code in 2007.
Butcher and Higgins did not immediately respond to emails on Wednesday night seeking clarification.
US Master’s Swimming does not drug test. Butcher said earlier in the day US Masters Swimming has debated in the past whether to start testing and whether Armstrong or other athletes who have been caught doping should be allowed to compete.
