Lance Armstrong to make splash in return

In this Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, file photo provided by Harpo Studios Inc., Lance Armstrong listens as he is interviewed by talk show host Oprah Winfrey during taping for the show “Oprah and Lance Armstrong: The Worldwide Exclusive” in Austin, Texas. Armstrong confessed to using performance-enhancing drugs to win the Tour de France cycling during the interview that aired Thursday, Jan. 17, reversing more than a decade of denial. AP FILE PHOTO

AUSTIN, Texas — Lance Armstrong is looking to make a splash with a return to competition.

The disgraced cyclist is signed up to swim three events this weekend at the Masters South Central Zone Swimming Championships at the University of Texas. Armstrong spokesman Mark Higgins said Wednesday that Armstrong, 41, will compete in the 40-44 age group in the 500-, 1,000- and the 1,650-yard freestyle.

U.S. Masters Swimming is not covered under the same drug testing rules of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which banned Armstrong for life from its sanctioned events for his performance-enhancing drug use during his cycling career.

“Our mission, dating back to the 60s, is we encourage adults to swim,” said Rob Butcher, executive director of masters swimming. “Lance is a member of USMS so he is eligible to swim.”

U.S. Masters Swimming does not require drug test. The organization has debated in the past whether to start and whether Armstrong or other athletes who have been caught doping should be allowed to compete, Butcher said.

“We just stick to the fact that our purpose is encouraging adults to swim,” Butcher said.

Armstrong had been pursuing a post-cycling career in triathlons before he was banned by USADA for performance-enhancing drug use. A message was left seeking comment from USADA.

Armstrong had to register for the Austin event by March 31. According to the meet event sheets, Armstrong has the second-best qualifying time in the 1,000 and No. 3 in the 1,650 and 500.