Young swimmer breaks shameful record

Young swimmer breaks shameful record

JAKARTA (JP): National women's swimmer Catherine Surya has
been banned two years from any competition for using steroids in
last year's National Games (PON), but is set for an overseas
training session in Australia.

The penalty imposed on Catherine by the Indonesian Swimming
Association (PRSI) has been valid since September of last year.

Catherine won seven gold medals and holds five national
records during the PON. She also holds another dubious record --
at age 13, she becomes the world's youngest athlete to be banned
for using performance enhancing substances.

"We received a letter informing us of the ban signed by
Sanjoto Sastrowardojo, PRSI chairman, on Sunday," Sumanas Surya,
Catherine's father, said Monday. He indicated that he would not
ask for appeal, saying that his 13-year-old daughter was mentally
ready to serve the sentence.

The father said his daughter's life had returned to normal and
she was willing to go to her junior high school everyday.

Sumanas, however, hoped to hear good news from the
international swimming federation (FINA) which has yet to respond
PRSI's appeal for a reduction of Catherine's suspension.

Catherine, a native of Cirebon, West Java, has maintained her
regular training program in her home town prior to her departure
for Australia. She will leave after the end of her school
semester in June. The West Java sports body will fund Catherine's
overseas program.

"Catherine will make her first appearance at the national age
group competitions next year," Sumanas, who is also Catherine's
coach, said.

Many swimming observers expected to see the women's swimmer
shine in October's Asian Games after her brilliant splash last
year.

The national sports governing body (KONI) found her, as well
as four Yogyakarta cyclists, guilty for using nandrolone anabolic
steroids following drug tests conducted in a laboratory in
Beijing. KONI said upon revealing the findings that the athletes
had consumed the steroids in large quantities and over a long
period of time. (amd)