ZCZC
BSP-10
SWIM-ITA-MAGNINI-DOPING
Ex-world champion Magnini wins appeal against doping ban
MILAN, Feb 27, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Former two-time world 100m freestyle
champion Filippo Magnini of Italy had his four-year doping ban overturned by
the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday.
The 38-year-old had been banned in November 2018 by Italy’s anti-doping
agency (Nado), after which he retired from the sport.
But Lausanne-based CAS found that “there was insufficient evidence to
conclude that Filippo Magnini had violated the world anti-doping code”.
“I WON. CAS acquitted me from any kind of accusation,” said Magnini on
Instagram.
“It has always been like this, I have always won races in the last few
metres.
“They taught me never to give up. I have always been an athlete and a
correct person. I tremble with joy.”
An investigation into Magnini and fellow swimmer Michele Santucci was
opened after criminal proceedings against a rogue nutritionist, Guido
Porcellini.
Porcellini was banned for 30 years by the Italian authorities for
trafficking doping products and counterfeit medicine.
Magnini’s name was found among the evidence, which revealed certain
products to be destined for the Italian swimmer, although investigators
conceded he may not have used or even received them.
NADO had initially demanded an eight-year ban for the 2005 and 2007 world
champion, who also won Olympic bronze with the 4x200m Italian relay team in
Athens (2004).
BSS/AFP/BZC/2006HRS