REUTERS/Hugh Gentry It looks like Lance Armstrong won't be making much of a splash this weekend, after all.
While he had planned to participate at the Masters South Central Zone Swimming Championships at the University of Texas, the disgraced cyclist has pulled out of the competition.
HIs withdrawal stems from the fact that the event being staged by U.S. Masters Swimming is overseen by the International Swimming Federation (FINA). According to the The New York Times, FINA must adhere to World Anti-Doping Agency rules.
The World Anti-Doping Agency had banned Armstrong from cycling for life because of his use of performance-enhancing drugs during his Tour de France victories.
Robert Butcher, executive director of U.S. Masters Swimming, told CNN that after informing Armstrong's camp about the situation, his management team said, "We don't want to cause harm to your organization. We're not trying to create a sideshow circus for you guys. He's just going to withdraw or not show up for the event."