LOS ANGELES, California, November 28. COLOMBIA's Omar Pinzon has allegedly tested positive for cocaine, according to Swimming World correspondent Alex Pussieldi in his Brazilian blog.
The positive test occurred at the Colombian National Games two weeks ago. There, he won gold in the 100 and 200 back as well as the 200 IM. He also took third in the 400 IM. The positive test likely will boot Pinzon from the World Short Course Championships in Instanbul next month.
Pinzon, who is the South American record holder in the 200-meter backstroke in long course (1:56.40) and short course (1:52.34), has been training under Dave Salo at the Trojan Swim Club in Los Angeles the past two years. Previously, Pinzon trained at the University of Florida. Pinzon is also a three-time Olympian, having competed at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
Pinzon has said he hopes to clear his name, saying all he has seen so far was a positive test from the A sample with metabolites for cocaine, and that the B sample was opened yesterday and is undergoing testing.
“I'm a little down, but I think the most important thing is to get my name clean,” Pinzon told local radio. “I know this goes against all my principles and all the things I've already tried to leave as a legacy. But, my conscience is very clear because I know that's not what my family would do, which is most important to me, and my career. Then, I will continue with my head held high, and I trust in God that all things will be okay.”