Fina, world swimming's ruling body, has asked the organisers of a masters event in Texas this weekend to bar Lance Armstrong from making what would be the banned cyclist's return to competitive sport.
The ruling body said in a statement that athletes convicted of doping offences are not allowed to enter competitions sanctioned by it. "Therefore, Fina wrote a letter to the US Masters Swimming [with copy to US Aquatic Sports and USA Swimming] requesting not to accept the entry of Mr Lance Armstrong in the above mentioned competition," it said on its website
Armstrong had been due to compete in the 500-, 1,000- and 1,650-yard freestyle races in his home city.
