Touretski “Hurt” By Steroid Charges

By Fia Cumming

CANBERRA, April 22. AUSTRALIAN Olympic swimming coach Gennadi Touretski has broken his silence over the
steroid charges against him, declaring the accusations have "wounded my soul".

Mr Touretski spoke from his home about his reaction to the charges, which have rocked the swimming community.
He said he was coping with the pressure but was saddened that he could not defend his reputation until the lengthy court process was underway.

"Everything published, whether I like it (or not) – I am already damaged," Mr Touretski said. "But, what should I do? Get up and stamp? I am in the court, the court will make the decision."

On Friday, the Canberra man accused of stealing a safe containing Olympic medals from Mr Touretski's home on April 1 had a further charge of stealing a banned steroid added.

Touretski and his wife Inna are under strict instructions from their lawyer Jason Parkinson not to comment about the substance of the charges against
him. But Touretski expressed his frustration with his situation.

Mr Touretski expressed his frustration with his situation. He said he was glad that his swimmers had supported him, but would prefer that his many friends, including the athletes, did not have to publicly
defend him. "I have no complaints (about them)," he said. "But I gave my heart to this country, and now my soul is wounded."

Mr Touretski said he was not sure how he was going to find an income in future, given the international exposure of his case.

He said he was able to cope with what was happening to him because he was used to stress. His life as a coach involved high levels of stress, with competitions every third day, and 200 days a year away from home. But it was another thing for his family, especially for his six-year-old daughter, Sasha.

"We live in a robbed house, so every time we come in, the family is scared," he said. "If someone is knocking on the door, my daughter is scared and that's
understandable."

In general he said Australia was the "best country" to raise children and was successful in sport because of the excellent opportunities for children to develop their skills.

Mr Touretski took the opportunity to correct estimates that since he had come to Australia his swimmers had created 26 world records. In fact, with relays included, the tally was 40, he said.

Mr Touretski will appear in court on May 3. The man charged with robbing his home, Gavin Massey, will appear on his own matter the following day.

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