Brazil to challenge positive doping test against swimmer

Brazil to challenge positive doping test against swimmer

Published Jan. 21, 2015 12:04 p.m. ET

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Brazilian swimming officials say they will challenge a positive doping test provided by Joao Gomes Jr. last month at the World Short-Course Championships.

Coarcy Nunes Filho, president of the Brazilian swimming confederation, confirmed the test in an interview and said the organization ''deeply regretted'' the finding and would take ''all measures'' to defend the swimmer.

Gomes helped Brazil win three gold medals in relay events at the championships.

The Brazilian confederation declined Wednesday to comment further on the case and referred questions to lawyer Marcelo Franklin. Several calls to Franklin by The Associated Press were not immediately returned.

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Brazilian athletes are under pressure to produce at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Brazil won 17 medals overall in London, and hopes to reach 30 next year.

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