De Bruin Decision Expected In March -- January 25, 1999

Irish swimmer Michelle De Bruin, under a four-year suspension for allegedly tampering with a drug sample, is to learn her fate in March. The Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland will decide on De Bruin's appeal within 2 months. The hearing date will be announced shortly. De Bruin was banned in August by FINA, because her urine sample was adulterated with alcohol. The suspension would make her ineligible for the 2000 Olympics and the 2001 World Championships. She will be 32 before she can return to competition.