SYDNEY. Aug 7: Australian Swimming officials applauded today a decision by the sport’s governing body to ban Irish triple Olympic gold medalist Michelle Smith de Bruin for four years over an adulterated drug test, reports Reuters.

Australian Swimming president Terry Gathercole said in a statement today that he welcomed FINA's hardline approach to the issue of drugs in sport.

"Australian Swimming is pleased that FINA has made a decision on this issue because it has been something which has been dragging on for some time.'' Gathercole said.

"The FINA decision is consistent with what they have stressed in the past about taking a strong stance against swimmers found guilty ofusing performance enhancing drugs."

That started recently with FINA's decision to suspend four

Chinese swimmers for the maximum penalty available under the offence they were found guilty of and has continued with Michelle de Bruin’s suspension."

Smith de Bruin. 28. was banned for four years on Thursday after being found guilty of tampering with a urine sample taken to test for drugs.

A statement issued by FINA said that analysis of Smith de Bruin's urine sample found "unequivocal signs of adulteration.''

Smith de Bruin has repeatedly denied interfering with the sample claiming that any manipulation must have taken place after it had left her.

Australian head coach Don Talbot urged FINA to maintain their tough stance even if Smith-de Bruin appeals as a expected to the court of arbitra tion for sport in Switzerland.

Talbot said it was imperative that FINA sent a clear message to the world about the consequences of using performance enhancing drugs.

"She will fight but hopefully we will see FINA fight as well," Talbot told reporters.

"We all want to see them stand up and make sure that they follow up their case, it needs to be upheld it won't be good for sport if it doesn't stick". he said.

Smith de Bruin won her three gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta Games.