Lance Armstrong poised to make sporting return
DISGRACED Lance Armstrong is set to make a return to competitive sport - as a swimmer.
The purpose of our organisation is to encourage adults to swim
Armstrong, 41, won the Tour de France a record seven times between 1999 and 2005 but was disqualified and banned from cycling for life for doping offences.
But he is in line to make a comeback to sport at the Masters South Central Zone Swimming Championships tomorrow when he will compete against fellow middle-aged swimmers.
US Masters swimming events are not subject to USA or World Anti-Doping Agency codes and Rob Butcher, the executive director of US Masters Swimming, told the American-Statesman no one has objected to Armstrong entering the events.
He said: "The purpose of our organisation is to encourage adults to swim."
Armstrong is scheduled to compete in the three longest freestyle races over 500 yards, 1,000 yards and 1,650 yards in his home city of Austin.
The American began his competitive life as a swimmer before turning his hand to triathlons and then focusing on cycling.
In January Armstrong confessed to taking banned drugs in an interview with Oprah Winfrey.