‘She’s gotten away with it’ Irish swimmer slams Russian athlete

Discussion focussing on the prevalence of doping at the Olympics has been gaining considerable momentum as Rio de Janeiro hosts the 2016 games, and Irish swimmer, Fiona Doyle, has refused to tiptoe around the subject following a disappointing result in a recent heat.

Despite both the International Olympic Committee and FINA – the world swimming governing body – declaring a ban on all Russian competitors who have either tested positive or been named in last month's investigation into state-sanctioned doping, Fiona lost out to a Russian swimmer who was initially denied admission to the heats.

Yulia Efimova found a loophole in her ban and was permitted entry in a decision which has ignited serious debate this week.

With Yulia having won the heat which saw Fiona ultimately lose out on a place in the semi-finals of the 100m breaststroke, the Limerick-born swimmer vented her frustration.

"Cheaters are cheaters," Fiona insisted. "She has tested positive five times and she’s gotten away with it again. It’s like FINA keep going back on their word, and the IOC keep going back on their word."

Devastated by the turn of events, the 24-year-old Irish athlete highlighted the inconsistencies which exist within the world of sport, saying: "And FINA caved in to Vladimir Putin, and that’s just not fair on the rest of the athletes who are clean."

"Who are you supposed to trust now?" Fiona asked. "They have signs all over the village saying we are a clean sport, and it’s not. And I just don’t think that’s fair."

According to the Irish Times, Fiona is reluctant to suggest her performance was hampered by the Russian's inclusion in the event, but admits that the overturning of the ruling has cast a shadow on her experience.

"There’s just been too much focus on cheaters, and I don’t like adding to that, but at the same time I think it has to be put out there." she said.

"But I don’t want to put my performance down to her," Fiona added. "I wanted to stand up and do it for myself. And that just makes it even more disappointing, to stand up and not show it."

Yulia was subject to a 16-month suspension in 2013 after testing positive for anabolic steroids, and has this year tested positive for banned substance meldonium.