A defiant Shayna Jack says she intends to clear her name when her appeal against a doping ban is heard and return to the Australian swimming team.
In a defiant social media post, Jack said she was ready to “win this fight” after revealing that she had been told by the Court of Arbitration for Sport that her appeal against a four-year ban would be heard soon but did not specify a date.
Jack, 21, has protested her innocence since being stood down from the Australian team in the lead-up to the 2019 world titles in July and it emerged she had tested positive to Ligandrol, a muscle growth agent.
A member of Australia’s world record-breaking 4x100m freestyle relay team, Jack has denied knowingly taking the drug and claimed the banned substance could have got into her system by contamination.
“Now the real fight begins… I received further notice in relation to my hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” Jack posted on Instagram with a picture of her shadowboxing.
“I intend to win this fight and put myself back in the pool and reclaim my position as a member of the Australian swim team.
“Everyone knows what it is like to have something precious taken away from them and I am no different.”
Jack is expected to take the stand when she fronts CAS via video conference due to coronavirus restrictions to appeal the four-year ban recommended by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority in March.
It was the maximum suspension for a first doping offence.
“There are many aspects of the anti-doping system that are seriously flawed but possibly the worst element is the presumption of guilt that one has to bear,” Jack said.
“What sort of system infers that you are guilty of an alleged breach and the responsibility falls on you to prove your innocence?”
Swimming Australia (SA) banned Jack from training with coach Dean Boxall’s squad and from using its accredited pools since the positive drug test and can’t provide financial support during her legal fight.
However, SA has provided mental health assistance throughout the process.
Boxall last week said Jack had been trying to stay optimistic but had still been anxious, revealing her appeal was “imminent”.
“Not everyone will fight a flawed system and find themselves ostracised from their friends and support group for something they did not do,” Jack posted.
“If you do though, stand up and fight and know that your honour will always be defended if you tell the truth.”
© AAP
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