Olympic silver medalist Astrid Strauss was suspended Friday by the German Swimming Federation pending an investigation into possible drug use. She said she was innocent and vowed to appeal.
”I want to defend my Olympic chances, and I plan to compete there in the 800 meters freestyle,” said Strauss.
The suspension could end her of competing at Barcelona. She was second to Janet Evans in the 800-meter freestyle at the 1988 Games.
If the suspension holds, Strauss will not swim at the national championships May 28-31, which also serve as Germany`s Olympic Trials.
Strauss, 23, a product of former East Germany`s highly successful but drug-tainted swimming program, faces a six-month ban if the federation`s investigation determines she took performance-enhancing drugs. A test in March revealed unusually high levels of testosterone in the swimmer`s body, the federation said. A second test last week confirmed the first result.
