Page 78 of In Too Deep

“It has come to our attention that another athlete, Marta Botwright… England, was handing out drinks at an event where all the swimmers congregated. Contained in those drinks was the banned substance Adrafinil. Upon talking with Miss Botwright, we can confirm it was her intention to purposely drug her fellow competitors so their results would come back as positive with the result that they would, therefore, be banned, stripped of any medals, and be out of the running in this Olympic Games.

“To say we are appalled by Miss Botwright’s actions is a tremendous understatement. Never in the history of the games have we seen such un-sportsman-like behaviour, and furthermore, it will not be tolerated.

“It’s almost unbelievable that such a heinous act could bring about the downfall of these four unsuspecting victims. The fact that four swimmers lost their chance at Olympic glory because of the actions of one person is unfathomable. Unfortunately, because the banned substance was found in their systems, the ruling must stand regarding the loss of their medals and their eighteen-month ban. But the stigma of them being drug cheatsmost certainlyshould not.

“These four athletes did not willingly subject themselves to this drug. It was slipped to them, and therefore, all harassment and negativity toward them and their countries should be halted immediately. They arenotdrug cheats. They didnottake the drugs purposely. I will reiterate it was forced on them unbeknownst to them. All drama and negative publicity toward the four athletes must now cease. Turn your anger toward the person who deserves it.

“Marta Botwright’s punishment isn’t enough in my eyes, but she has been stripped of every medal won at these Games. Furthermore, she has been sentenced to a life ban from swimming. For the actions of trying to force out her competitors, she has forced herself out for good. Let this be a lesson to all those competing, all those who will compete, and all those thinking of competing. Win on your own merits. Not because you have to take others out of the race.

“Marta will also face a fine which is yet to be determined…” Tuck pauses to take a breath as he rubs his chin.

The questions from the reporters start firing at lightning speed. He shakes his head, putting his hands up and halts their voices.

“I will be takingnoquestions at this point. There will be further conferences on this matter as more information comes to light, but for now, I think I have given you everything you need to know. Marta is currently with the Board and is also being questioned by the Australian Federal Police. She is in a lot of trouble, and she will pay for her crimes. This in no way should reflect on the incredible results of the English swim team. Marta acted on her own, and should be treated in isolation.

“Thank you, that is all for now. Have a good day.” Tuck stands up from the desk.

The other men follow him as the reporters fire questions but get no replies.

I turn to Coby, relief washing over me as my eyes begin to prick with tears.

East bumps into my shoulder with a great big grin on his face.

“Caro will be so happy when she hears this,” East enthuses.

“She will. This is the best thing I’ve heard all day. What if the police arrest Marta?” I ask.

East wiggles from side to side as Coby chuckles.

“Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. How about we just be glad that it’s all out in the open, and Caro can relax for now.” Coby tightens his grip on my hand.

Standing, I turn toward the door to spot Tuck walking past. “Let’s go talk to Tuck.” I don’t give the guys a moment to answer before I sprint out of the doors toward my coach and father figure.

“Tuck!” I cry, and he turns to face me, his lips turning up into a smile.

“Lacy, were you in there?” he asks.

I rush up to him, wrapping my arms around his rotund waist and smothering my face into his chest. “Yes, I’m so happy. Everything is going how it should.”

He chuckles and pats my back. “Yes, I’m glad Anna came forward. The poor girl was a wreck when she was talking to us. She’s in some serious trouble, too, for not coming forward sooner. I’m not sure what her punishment will be, but at least she came forward, and now we understand what actually happened. I mean, we always suspected there was more to it, but at least now we have the truth.”

“Have you talked to Caro?” I ask.

He smiles. “Yes. I rang before the press conference to inform her of what was happening. She was so relieved. The poor girl broke down, and I had to finish the rest of the conversation with Trinny. I think Caro could do with a friendly ear or two right now.”

I turn to East. He grins.

“Okay, we’ll phone her now. And Tuck… thank you… for everything. You’ve been amazing. Caro and I couldn’t have done this without you.”

He tightens his grip on me and leans down kissing my hair. “Hey, kiddo, you girls are my life. Watching Caro go through this nearly killed me. So getting some justice for Marta’s bullshit actions is all that matters.”

“Thank God that’s happened. That Marta was getting away with it ate me up.”

“Well, she will get hers, Lacy, don’t you worry about that!” Tuck lets me go.

Coby pulls me to him as someone calls Tuck. Then he’s whisked away to another meeting, no doubt.

“This is incredible. I mean, it sucks that her medals are stripped and her ban is still in place, but even so, at least now the world understands that my girl isn’t a drug cheat. I can’t wait to get home to her, to be honest,” East remarks.

---