体坛英语新闻：Armstrong to compete U.S. Masters Swimming

WASHINGTON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong tries to return to competition by signing up for three swimming events not covered by the U.S. Anti-doping Agency rules.

Armstrong, banned for life by the USADA from its sanctioned events for his performance-enhancing drug use during his cycling career, intended to swim this weekend at the Masters South Central Zone Swimming Championships at the University of Texas.

The 41-year-old will compete in the 40-44 age group in the 500-, 1,000- and the 1,650-yard freestyle.

U.S. Masters Swimming is not covered under the same drug testing rules of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency although the organization has a divergence of opinion whether they should start do drug tests or ban athletes convicted of doping.