In a bombshell announcement, Sport Integrity Australia has opted to appeal the Court of Arbitration for Sports decision to cut two years off Shayna Jacks doping ban.Jack was handed a four-year ban from swimming after she tested positive for the banned substance ligandrol in July last year.
The Swiss-based CAS decided to cut the 22-year-old’s ban in half on appeal, meaning she could return to competitive swimming next year.
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But Jack’s return to the pool has been disrupted by Sport Integrity Australia, who announced on Monday they will appeal the Court of Arbitration’s verdict.
“After careful consideration of the legal issues … Sport Integrity Australia lodged a statement of appeal on Monday 7 December in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Appeal Division,” the organisation said in a statement.
“As the proceedings are confidential, Sport Integrity Australia will not be in a position to comment further on the substance of those proceedings.”
Sport Integrity Australia chief executive David Sharpe said: “Sport Integrity Australia will always act to ensure a level playing field for athletes.
“In order to protect athletes and sporting competitions, we must have clarity and consistency in the application of the World Anti-Doping Code.”
Sydney Morning Herald sports reporter Phil Lutton tweeted: “This is a costly hammer blow for Shayna Jack.
“Absolute nightmare for the swimmer.”
More to come …