Despite the world record established by Brazilian Thiago Pereira last week at the swimming World Cup held in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, the country's swimmers are still talking about the doping charges against compatriot Rebeca Gusmao.

 

Gusmao, a double gold medalist at the Pan Ams, was temporarily suspended last week by FINA for testing positive for testosterone in an out-of-competition test on July 13.

 

"It does not matter if Rebeca is, or isn't guilty. What matters is the burden that the country has to bear because of her. Brazilian swimming is going to be associated with her, which is bad for all of the swimmers," said Joanna Maranhao, Brazilian medley swimmer.

 

"Since I don't compete against Rebeca, I am less affected. If I were, I would feel much more comfortable clearing up the situation. The competition has to be fair," she continued.

 

Winner of a bronze medal in the World Cup in Moscow, Brazilian swimmer Tatiana Lemos agrees with her teammate.

 

"This is bad for our country. I've known Rebeca since I was 13 years old, and as a swimmer, you see the same people all year-round in the same competitions. The changes in her body were shocking."

 

"It is unlikely that she is absolved of the crimes, especially with more and more incriminating evidence appearing all the time," she added.

 

On the other hand, Mariana Brochado, long-time friend of Rebeca, remains at Gusmao's side.

 

"Rebeca claims she is innocent and that she didn't take anything, and I believe her. She has the full support of her family and friends."

 

According to Brochado, the way in which the case has been handled by the press has sent a bad image of Rebeca. "She is a wonderful person and some things were said to destroy her image."

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 26, 2007)