Andrew Bree has been cleared to compete at this year's Olympic Games in Beijing after FINA issued the breaststroke swimmer with a reprimand and warning rather than a ban after testing positive for a banned substance.
The Co Antrim swimmer tested positive last month after using an over-the-counter decongestant. He used a US product similar to a Vicks Inhaler but the American version contained the banned substance Levmethamfetamine.
A statement was issued today on behalf of the relieved breaststroke specialist who can now focus attention back on participating in Beijing.
"The doping panel of FINA, the world governing body for swimming, has today accepted Andrew Bree's explanation regarding his recent adverse finding for a banned substance at the European Championships in Hungary in December 2007," the statement read.
"Andrew used an over the counter Vicks Nasal Inhaler which he purchased in the United States; the US version of this product contains a banned substance and the FINA doping panel has stated it is 'convinced that the use of Levmethamfetamine was not intended to enhance his performance' and that Andrew had gone to all possible lengths to check that the medical product that he was using contained no such banned substance."
"Having accepted Bree's explanation and noted his open and frank approach to the issue, the panel issued has him with a reprimand and warning, the least possible sanction open to it according to its rules."
Bree is glad the whole episode is now behind him so that he can get back to preparing for Beijing. "This is a huge relief that my ordeal is now over and I can continue with my preparations for Beijing" said the 26-year-old. "These last two months have been an extremely difficult and stressful time for both myself and my family and I am thrilled for everybody that this judgment has vindicated me.
"I have always opposed the use of drugs in sport and will continue to do so and I am deeply grateful for the support I have received from my family and a wide circle of friends and fellow swimmers who never doubted me over these last few months."
Swim Ireland were also relieved that Ireland's only Olympic qualified swimmer to date is free to compete. "Swim Ireland is very pleased that FINA has accepted Andrew's explanation of his test finding," said the governing body.
"We now look forward to supporting Andrew in his preparations for and participation in the forthcoming Olympic Games and wish him well in his efforts.
The St Helen's Bay native failed the test when traces of the banned substance showed up in a urine sample. At the time Bree claimed it was an innocent mistake and by not exercising his right to have the 'B' sample analysed accepted the substance was likely to have been present in his body.
After the findings the Irish Sports Council, who fund Bree, suspended him until Fina's decision today. They also warned all their funded athletes about the risks in using decongestants, saying the product is prominently highlighted on their drugs information card.
Bree secured his place in the 200 metres breaststroke at the US National Championships in Indianapolis last July. The University of Tennessee student also broke his three-year-old Irish senior record with a time of two minutes 13.44 seconds.
Beijing will be Bree's second appearance at the Olympics after he qualified for Sydney 2000, but failed to secure a place at Athens in 2004.