Michelle Smith De Bruin may well count herself fortunate that her four-year ban from swimming came about before next year's Olympic Games.

From the start of 2000, any athlete whose urine sample shows traces of banned substances or any athlete who is judged to have tried to cover up their use of banned substances will face fines of up to £600,000.

Testing positive for stimulants, including caffeine, will result in a fine of up to £60,000. Those found to have taken steroids or other growth hormones - or who try to cover up their usage - will be subject to the stiffest fine of £600,000. Smith de Bruin was banned for tampering with a sample.

Details of the hardline policy, which come into force on January 1st, are contained in a 47-page document prepared by the IOC. It is the first time that the movement has proposed using fines as a disincentive.