Lance Armstrong is set to race in three events at the Masters South Central Zone Swimming Championships at the University of Texas this weekend, according to the Associated Press on Thursday.
He’s set to participate in the 500, 1,000 and 1,650-yard freestyle in the 40 to 44 age group.
Though Armstrong, 41, has been banned from competing in any events sanctioned by U.S. Anti Doping Agency, he can still compete in the swim meets.U.S. Masters swimming doesn't drug test competitors and isn't under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Anti Doping Agency.
Armstrong has spoken about his passion to compete again but is unable to enter triathlons or sporting events like the New York marathon, which is USADA sanctioned, as long as his present ban stands.
Armstrong appeared in a television interview with Oprah Winfrey in January when he admitted to taking banned substances, which included testosterone and the hormone EP. However, he said he doesn't deserve the "death" penalty, and hoped to get back into competition in some way.
"I deserve to be punished," said Armstrong during the two-part interview with Winfrey. "I'm not sure I deserve the death penalty."
US Masters Swimming executive director Rob Butcher said nobody had raised formal objections to Armstrong competing, according to the Austin American-Statesman. However, local triathlete Jamie Cleveland, who is set to swim against Armstrong at the masters event this weekend, has objected to the disgraced cyclist's participation.
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