Swimming: Bray on defence

By Terry Maddaford

Trent Bray will have his days in court next month in the first attempt to clear his name after returning a positive test to the anabolic steroid nandrolone.

Bray's lawyer, Peter Thorp, said an appeal against the testing procedures used by the New Zealand Sports Drug Agency would be heard in the Auckland District Court on March 8 and 9.

The court will hear submissions from Bray and the NZSDA in chambers.

"We are pleased the court has given us an early hearing," Thorp said. "If Trent succeeds in this appeal that will be the end of the matter.

"If the court rules against him we will still have time to have the case heard by the Swimming New Zealand tribunal at which we would present a substantial defence."

Bray and Thorp are keen to have the matter decided quickly as Bray must swim an Olympic qualifying time at the March 30-April 2 national championships in Auckland if he is to compete at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.