FINA says no failed doping tests at swim worlds

The governing body of swimming said Wednesday that no athlete failed a doping test at the recent world championships.

FINA said it had completed 391 doping tests conducted at the July 15-Aug. 2 championships in Rome and all were negative. A total of 162 samples were screened for the blood-boosting hormone EPO.

Almost two-thirds of the tests (252) were taken from swimmers, with 65 from water polo players, 33 from divers, 30 from athletes in open water races and 11 from synchronized swimmers.

FINA does not store samples for future analysis using newly developed doping tests, but said it was considering the policy.

The championships were notable for 43 world records set in the swimming events, largely due to athletes wearing high-tech, water-resistant body suits which will be banned at the end of the year.

Michael Phelps of the United States was named the best male swimmer for winning five gold medals and one silver, while setting individual world records in the 100- and 200-meter butterfly.

Federica Pellegrini of Italy, who won two golds and set three world marks in the 200 and 400 freestyle events, was best female swimmer.