Cesar Cielo, the World Champion in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle, remains faithful about his chances of competing at the 2011 FINA World Championships.
Cesar, armed with the famous doping-attorney, Howard Jacobs, strode into the Court of Arbitration for Sport (in Shanghai) on Wednesday clad in a dark suit and sunglasses.
BACKSTORY: Cesar (and three of his Brazilian teammates) tested positive for a banned diuretic in May but was let off with a warning. Cesar claimed the positive test was due to a contaminated supplement. Many world-class swimmers and officials cried foul. They argued the punishment was too lenient.
The Court of Arbitration is expected to announce their decision on Friday, only two days before the World Championship pool competition begins.
MY OPINION: Cesar is innocent. This is an unfortunate fluke. HOWEVER, I've spoken with many friends (swimming analysts and Olympic medalists), and they are not so trusting. I am hoping they are wrong.
Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and partner at Gold Medal Media, a video production and social media market company.
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