Filippo Magnini, Ex-World Champion, Banned 4 Years for Doping

MAGNINI Filippo ITA PONSELE' Aurora ITA Nation Ranking First Place 32nd LEN European Championships Berlin, Germany 2014 Aug.13 th - Aug. 24 th Day12 - Aug. 24 Photo G. Scala/Deepbluemedia/Inside

Photo Courtesy: Giorgio Scala

Two-time Italian swimming world champion Filippo Magnini was banned for four years for doping on Tuesday.

Italy’s anti-doping agency issued the verdict for the retired swimmer and relay teammate Michele Santucci, according to the Associated Press

Both were found guilty of using and attempting to use banned substances.

The swimmers were linked to nutritionist Guido Porcellini, who was banned for 30 years for distributing illegal drugs, the AP reported.

Magnini, who won the 100-meter freestyle at the 2005 and 2007 world championships and a relay bronze at the 2004 Olympics, has never tested positive and maintains that he never use performance-enhancing drugs. He was an outspoken critic of doping throughout his career, having taken part in an “I am doping free” initiative.

Magnini issued a statement: “I didn’t do anything. This sentence is ridiculous.”

The prosecutors were seeking eight-year ban for Magnini.

Santucci teamed with Magnini when Italy won bronze in the 4×100-meter relay at the 2015 world championships.

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Demetrakis Haholiades

5 years ago

Víctor Antoñón Rodríguez