Asthma Medication Forces Swimmer Out Of Trials

A University of Georgia swimmer withdrew Monday from the Olympic Trials after discovering an asthma medication he took last week was a banned substance.

Matt Buck of Watkinsville was about to leave for Indianapolis, where the trials begin Wednesday, when he learned that Prednisone is considered a performance enhancer by the International Olympic Committee. If the sophomore had tested positive at the event, he could have been banned from swimming competition for two years.

Harvey Humphries, assistant swimming coach at Georgia, said the drug could conceivably be out of Buck’s system within 48 hours. But athletes normally stop taking the medication two weeks before competition.

“The fault is mine,” said Buck, whose specialty is the breaststroke. “Miscommunication, lack of education…It was my responsibility.”

Buck has suffered from asthma for years. He said his condition has worsened the last seven or eight months, aggravated he believes by allergies.

Humphries, however, said he knew that Prednisone was a banned substance. Former Georgia swimmer Paige Wilson, who will compete in the trials, has taken the medication, but under prescribed guidelines.

“It’s OK to take it if a doctor prescribes it and it is cleared ahead of time,” she said. “But you have to come off it two weeks before competing.”

Buck had entered the 100-meter breaststroke. He was the SEC champion in the 200-yard breast and runner-up in the 100-yard breast.

“I’ll have another chance in four years,” said Buck. “There is not anything I can do now. Complaining about it is not going to help.”

Buck should be able to swim in the NCAA championships March 28-30 in Austin, Texas.