Retired U.S. Swimmer “Suspended” by FINA for Failing to Take a Drug Test

By Phillip Whitten

TEMPE, Arizona, Feb. 5. FORMER Arizona State University swim star, Sarah Baham, received a four-year suspension yesterday from FINA, the sport's international governing body, for failing to take a U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) out-of-competition drug test on October 19.

Problem is: Baham, AS's record-holder in the 100 and 200 yard butterfly, retired after completing her college eligibility almost a year ago.

According to her former coach at ASU, Mike Chasson, Baham apparently had not provided written notice to FINA of her retirement before the USADA attempted to test her.

The USADA quoted Baham as saying: "I regret failing to take the test and for failing to properly retire from swimming. I understand the rules have a purpose and failing to comply with the rules has a consequence and I accept that consequence. I hope all athletes will learn from my mistake and make sure they have properly retired."

SwimInfo was unable to confirm that statement with Baham. Attempts to reach USADA officials yesterday were unsuccessful, as none of the officials we attempted to reach answered their phones.

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