No golden glow from this three-in-a-row

I FIND it difficult to understand the logic of people like Denis Hurley (Letters, September 1) who accuse others of airbrushing from history the achievements of Michelle de Bruin in Atlanta in 1996, while they refuse to accept the facts of her case.

The written history of the Atlanta games will record that Michelle de Bruin received three golds and a bronze. However, her performance, both at the time and afterwards, was questioned and the use of performance-enhancing drugs mentioned.

When Al Guy tested her in Kilkenny he smelt the odour of whiskey from the urine sample. She was charged with altering the integrity of a urine sample taken for dope testing.

In August 1998, FINA, the sport's governing body, found her guilty and suspended her for the maximum period of four years. She appealed to the Court of Arbitration in Sport (CAS). Evidence was heard that the urine sample had been contaminated with whiskey, but when this was removed the urine contained traces of androstenedione, a performance-enhancing drug and a banned substance. CAS upheld the ban and her career ended in disgrace.

Her achievements since Barcelona 1992, and her Atlanta medals, are forever tarnished.

AF MacGabhann

12 Pemberton

Herbert Road

Bray

Co Wicklow