Armstrong stripped off entry to swimming event by FINA

Lance Armstrong's plan to return athletic competition was stopped by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) as he was pulled out of a swimming event, local media reported on Thursday.Armstrong, who is serving a lifetime ban from Olympic sports because of his doping violations, will not compete in the Masters South Central Zone Swimming Championships at the University of Texas this weekend after FINA raised objections, the New York Times reported.The 41-year-old American, as a U.S. Masters Swimming member, would be allowed to compete in the 40-44 age group because the master's event did not test its athletes for drugs. But FINA sent a letter to U.S. Masters Swimming officials, saying that U.S. Masters Swimming must bar Armstrong from its event according to the World Anti-Doping Code as the organization is overseen by the swimming's international body.The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency banned Armstrong from sanctioned competition for life for his use of performance-enhancing drugs during a cycling career and his seven titles of the Tour de France were stripped off.In January, Armstrong admitted during an interview with Oprah Winfrey that he used steroids, blood boosters and other banned performance-enhancing drugs and methods during his career.