LAUSANNE, Switzerland, May 29. ACCORDING to both a release by Andrew Bree's spokesperson and a report by the BBC, Andrew Bree has only been given a warning from FINA for his recent adverse findings for a banned substances.
The positive test occurred at the European Championships in Hungary in December 2007. Bree admitted to the use of an over-the-counter Vicks Nasal Inhaler, which he purchased in the U.S. This version of the product contains the banned substance of Levmethamfetamine.
FINA explained that the doping panel was convinced that the use of the drug was not intended to enhance performance and that Bree had gone to "all possible lengths to check that the medial product that he was using contained no such banned substance."
The doping panel issued Bree a reprimand and a warning.
"This is a huge relief that my ordeal is now over and I can continue with my preparations for Beijing," Bree said in a statement. "These last two months have been an extremely difficult and stressful time for both myself and my family and I am thrilled for everybody that this judgment has vindicated me. I have always opposed the use of drugs in sport and will continue to do so, and I am deeply grateful for the support I have received from my family and a wide circle of friends and fellow swimmers who never doubted me over these last few months. And, of course, I would not be where I am now if it hadn't been for the extremely professional job delivered by my legal and scientific advisors, solicitor, Andrew Coonan, barrister, Dr Neville Cox, and scientist, Dr Mike Wheeler. I am also grateful to FINA and its Doping Panel for the efficient and speedy way in which this case has been conducted."
Bree is the only Irish swimmer to have qualified for the Olympic Games with an A qualifying time.