Andrew Bree, of Ireland, is under investigation for an adverse anti-doping finding that is believed to involve a stimulant found in a cold remedy

A Swim Ireland statement issued to RTE Radio Sport in Ireland was broadcast in the following way: 'Swim Ireland, the governing body of the sport here, say they are aware of a positive test on an Irish swimmer, who has yet to be officially informed as to the test findings. The governing body say that they working with the appropriate authorites, and the swimmer in question, to determine the next course of action.'

The test is believed to have been conducted at the European short-course Championships in Debrecen in Hungary last December. If the substance in question turns out to be a stimulant found in a cold remedy, it would not be the first case of an athlete coming undone inadvertently when taking over-the-counter medication.

Bree is the only Irish swimmer to have qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The most likely punishment, should the case go against him, is one ranging from a warning to a six-month suspension. The latter would keep him out of Beijing.