Although Aussie swimmer Shayna Jack‘s 2-year ban was lifted as of July 12 of this year, she has been training under a black cloud due to a pending case.
After having tested positive for Ligandrol in 2019, Jack’s original 4-year ban was reduced to 2, leaving the World Anti-Doping Agency, as well as Sport Integrity Australia, to challenge the reduction.
You can read the backstory of Jack’s situation here.
Flash forward to today and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeals filed by the aforementioned organizations. Her two-year ban backdated to July 12, 2019 stands, meaning the freestyle ace’s legal ordeals are over.
Upon hearing the official news, Jack took to social media to state, “After a 2 year and 3 month battle, I have finally received my final decision that my appeal case has been dismissed by the Court of Arbitration. I am now free to do what I love with no restrictions and am so overwhelmed with joy. I am now going to take some time to myself to cherish this moment and reflect on what I have endured. The nightmare is finally over.
“Thank you to everyone who has stood by me, supported me and help me overcome this challenge.
I will speak more in the future, now is not the time…. But watch this space, it’s only the beginning. #australianswimmer #swimmer”
You can read the entire CAS ruling here.
I quite like Shayna Jack, and I find it hard to believe that she was deliberately doping. On a personal level, I would love to see her get back on the national team.
However, I think it’s probably best for the Aussie team if she doesn’t get back on. It’ll just create an issue where there doesn’t need to be one, and it’s not like we’re short of 50-100-200 female freestylers.
Yes, the controversy is not what the Dolphins need but I fully expect her to get back on the team and an article in the ABC said today that she trained the whole way through her ban albeit separate from her club.
I understand what you’re saying but it’s unfair on Jack as well, she’s served her sentence which was one of the harshest she could have got for a first time offence, she then had to fight to clear her name which resulted in a reduced sentence and most likely financial set backs. It’s tough to imagine what situation she’s in, if she makes the team in future she’s done it fair and square and deserves it
She will have a hard time getting a 100m spot, even in the relays with Australia’s depth….not sure what other events she will target.
This is dooope
She’s still banned from the ISL, right?
Presumably so; rather unfortunately for her considering that she may be facing some tasty legal bills …….. unless she’s planning on a Go Fund Me campaign !
She did & I contributed . As the alleged prize money in ISL is about what I’d expect of a Ukrainian outfit, she’d be better doing the GP circuit . At least FINA pays.
Any drug/performance enhancing ban is a result in not being able to swim in the ISL no matter the circumstances.
So will Mack Horton stand next to her?
Doubt Mack will make the team in the future. They probably don’t need Jack but if she qualifies at trials they will have to take her which will delight some trolls. At this point she has served her time so SA have to put her on the team if she meets the qualifying criteria which is as it should be.
First offences don’t get life time bans.