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Australian swimmer Shayna Jack releases statement after failed doping test

Chris ReasonThe West Australian
VideoAustralian swimmer Shayna Jack has broken her silence after it was revealed she tested positive for a banned substance.

Brisbane swimmer Shayna Jack is in hiding after it was revealed last night the 20- year-old failed a doping test and been suspended before quietly being sent home from Japan.

Teammates, including Olympic champion Mack Horton - who'd led the podium protest - had no idea one of their own had tested positive.

But Swimming Australia had known for weeks, and sat on it, even last night her coaches were saying nothing, leading to accusations they'd hung their athletes out to dry.

Swimming Australia CEO Leigh Russell said in a press conference this morning that it was her call.

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Swimming Australia CEO Leigh Russell
Camera IconSwimming Australia CEO Leigh Russell Credit: 7 News

"An Australian athlete returning an adverse result is both bitterly disappointing and embarrassing to our team".

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Head Coach Jacco Verhaeren insist legal protocols prevented them from revealing the news.

“We're not trying to cover anything up," he said.

Australia's anti-doping agency ASADA has confirmed Swimming Australia was legally bound to stay silent but after all the controvery, Swimming is prepared to look at changing the rule.

Head Coach Jacco Verhaeren
Camera IconHead Coach Jacco Verhaeren Credit: 7 News

Expert say it’s a policy that needs to change.

Former ASADA Cheif Richard Ings

"This story should've been announced by Swimming Australia and the athlete the moment they were notified that they had a positive A sample"

Jack received thousands of hate messages online following the news.

Steve and Robyn Titmus, parents of gold medal champion Ariarne Titmus who shares a coach with Jack, said at least Australia was following the rules.

"I think it's demonstrated our commitment to clean sport and that we followed a protocol," Mrs Titmus said.

Shayna Jack and her Australian team mates.
Camera IconShayna Jack and her Australian team mates. Credit: 7 News

Jack released a detailed, comprehensive statement on her social media going through everything that happened to her when she first learnt of the doping allegations against her on the July 12.

Called into the office of the head coach, told that she’d returned a positive A sample.

“I felt my heart break instantaneously,” she said.

“I couldn't breathe to answer her next couple of questions.”

On July 19 she was given the results of her B sample, unfortunately for her, the results matched up.

“As I read the results, my brain couldn't even comprehend what I was seeing,” the statement read.

“I had to reread it several times before I felt that same pain and heartache all over again.

“I instantly turned to my grandma, who was with me at the time and wailed.

“With my legs no longer holding me up, I fell to the ground.”

Her first ASADA hearing is on Friday.

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