Ex-world champ swimmer banned 4 years for doping

FILE – In this Aug. 9, 2016 file photo Italy’s Filippo Magnini looks up after a heat of the men’s 100-meter freestyle during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Two-time swimming world champion Filippo Magnini has been banned for four years for doping. Italy’s anti-doping agency issued the verdict for the retired swimmer on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, and gave the same sentence to Magnini’s relay teammate, Michele Santucci. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

ROME — Two-time swimming world champion Filippo Magnini has been banned for four years for doping.

Italy’s anti-doping agency issued the verdict for the retired swimmer on Tuesday, and gave the same sentence to Magnini’s relay teammate, Michele Santucci.

Both were found guilty of using and attempting to use banned substances.

The swimmers were linked to nutritionist Guido Porcellini, who was banned for 30 years for distributing illegal drugs.

Magnini, who won the 100-meter freestyle at the 2005 and 2007 world championships and a relay bronze at the 2004 Olympics, has never tested positive and maintains that he never doped. He was an outspoken critic of doping throughout his career, having taken part in an “I am doping free” initiative.

Magnini says, “I didn’t do anything. This sentence is ridiculous.”

The anti-doping prosecutor was seeking an eight-year ban for Magnini.

Santucci teamed with Magnini when Italy won bronze in the 4×100-meter relay at the 2015 worlds.