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.”
Nick
Roar Guru
The twisted irony is that if she had just confessed and apologised, she would have received a 50% reduction in the sentence for being a first time offender... and now with the Olympics pushed back a year, she'd have been able to attempt to qualify. Ah well.
Nick
Roar Guru
Do you believe sun yang?
Beni Iniesta
Guest
I for one believe Her. Fight the good fight Shayna.
Nick
Roar Guru
Enough do.
Monorchid
Roar Rookie
Spruce, I acknowledge your point. But the issue for me is who cares anymore. The Olympics has a chequered history with alleged drug use over a very long period. This lady may or may not be guilty, but does anyone care?
Jeansyjive
Roar Rookie
It be interesting to hear what she is going to say about how Ligandrol ended up in her body. Tainted supplement?
Simoc
Guest
Why fight it Ms Jack. If you have $2m to win the case, you will, as evidenced by the Catholic Church. But nobody believes the outcome anyway. Best move on. The limp Horton will offer you consoling words. He hasn't tested positive yet but is as dumb as the majority of swimmers sound. Just no more cereal adverts for you.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
the system that she agreed to when she signs off her declaration to ASADA (and therefore WADA) every year
Matt Simpson
Roar Guru
The lady doth protest too much, methinks
Nick
Roar Guru
“What sort of system infers that you are guilty of an alleged breach and the responsibility falls on you to prove your innocence?” One that has a vial of your blood – blood that you submitted to ASADA testers – with drugs in it.