Fed: Dunn supports former coach despite drug possession claims

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2001
Fed: Dunn supports former coach despite drug possession claims

Commonwealth Games champion MATT DUNN is backing his former swimming coach GENNADI
TOURETSKI despite drug allegations surrounding the Russian.

TOURETSKI was suspended from the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra today pending
a court case in which he'll answer charges related to the illegal possession of banned
anabolic steroids.

DUNN - an individual medley specialist who was coached by TOURETSKI for five years
until retiring earlier this year - says he's shocked by the allegations.

The 27-year-old says he's always trained in an anti-drug environment, both with TOURETSKI
and at the AIS.

TOURETSKI coaches a number of successful swimmers including world recordholders, MICHAEL
KLIM and Russia's ALEX POPOV.

DUNN says KLIM and POPOV are devastated by the allegations surrounding TOURETSKI.

He says KLIM and POPOV'S clean drug-testing records are testament to their integrity.

KLIM may make a statement on the issue tomorrow.

AAP RTV jhm/hn/mjm

KEYWORD: TOURETSKI DUNN (BRISBANE)

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