Shayna Jack Could Potentially Miss Australia’s 2020 Olympic Trials

Shayna Jack makes a statement and answers questions from the media - Photo Courtesy: Ian Hanson

Australian sprinter Shayna Jack revealed the emotional toll that her failed drug test has had on her in the past couple months in an Instagram post. Jack originally failed a drug test right before the World Championships in July and withdrew herself from the Australian team.

Jack, 20, has uncertainty over her future in the sport, saying she has not received a letter from the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority outlining the case against her.

Jack wrote on Instagram:

“Hi everyone, I know you haven’t heard from me in some time but I have been taking time to ensure my mental health is properly supported and managed, as this whole process has been a test on its strength. I’d like to thank the people who have, from day one, been by my side and supported me without a doubt.

“I have found that I am struggling most with accepting the current situation, how much it has not only impacted my swimming career but my everyday life. Additionally, how long the process will be before I get any final information. I have not yet received the letter of infraction and have been told that I won’t for up to another 10 weeks and to make things harder I’ve been informed that I could be waiting another 9 months from now till I get a finalized hearing.

“My team are doing everything they can to fast track this process but it’s so hard when we aren’t in control of how and when things happen. I made a promise to myself that I would never stop fighting for my dream as an Australian Dolphin or my character as I know I have, nor will I ever take a drug of any kind intentionally.”

Jack is potentially facing a suspension of four years after testing positive for Ligandrol, which can stimulate muscle growth. If Jack is not able to get a hearing for nine months, then she would be out of the 2020 Australian Olympic Trials which are in nine months.

Shayna Jack qualified to swim for Team Australia at the 2019 World Championships in the 4×100 free and 4×200 free relays. The Aussies won both of those relays at the World Championships, setting a world record in the longer distance which had stood since 2009.

Swimming World contributor Ian Hanson wrote about Jack’s ASADA briefing as she fought to clear her name in early August.

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