LIFETIME BAN GIVEN TO LANCE ARMSTRONG BY U.S. ANTI-DROPING AGENCY

Cyclist Lance Armstrong has pulled out of a U.S. Masters Swimming event after swimming's international governing body raised objections.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Lance Armstrong is pulling out of the pool.

U.S. Masters Swimming Executive Director Rob Butcher says Armstrong has decided not to try to swim in the Masters South Central Zone Swimming Championships at the University of Texas this weekend after swimming's international governing body raised objections.

Armstrong had been entered in three distance events. But Switzerland-based FINA sent a letter to U.S. Masters officials Thursday saying the event is under the umbrella of the World Anti-Doping Code and subject to the lifetime ban given to Armstrong by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

Butcher says Armstrong withdrew on his own Thursday morning.

BY JIM VERTUNO

AP Sports Writer

Associated Press Sports