National-level swimmer dies

In a tragic turn of event, a national-level swimmer, Shampa Das, died of a stroke while competing in the 10-km long distance invitational swimming championship in the the Hoogly river.23-year-old Shampa had completed nine kilometres when she developed spasms that seized her and she became senseless.A veteran of more than 18 national championships in backstroke and freestyle events, Shampa was representing Bally Swimming Centre, Howrah in the meet which had the participation of about 30 swimmers.

Defamation suit dropped

Former Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe dropped a defamation suit against one of five French defendants over reports of an irregular doping test result in 2006. According to an article in a French sports newspaper, Thorpe gave a urine sample in May 2006 which showed abnormal levels of testosterone and a luteinising hormone, both of which are on the list of banned drugs. Thorpe, five-times Olympic gold medallist and one of the greatest swimmers of all time, is trying to seek compensation for damage to his reputation. He retired from the sport in November 2006 and was cleared of doping by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.