Team China's Anti-Doping Record in Paris Olympics Stands Strong Amid Scrutiny

Team China's swimmers at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games have undergone extensive anti-doping tests and emerged unscathed despite media accusations.

Chinese swimmers have faced more scrutiny than any other team in the pool, with over 600 tests conducted since January 2024, each swimmer averaging 21 tests compared to their competitors' four to six, according to World Aquatics' official statistics released on July 23.

World Aquatics is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for overseeing international water sports competitions.

"They are fully tested," affirmed Mark Adams, communications director of the IOC, at an August 2 press conference.

Pau Gasol, an IOC member and two-time NBA champion, noted that some tests were conducted to reassure other athletes.

"Multiple times in the early hours of the day and night, it's not easy for the athletes, especially because it disrupts rest, training, and other schedules," Gasol explained.

Despite these disruptions, Gasol expressed gratitude to the Chinese swimmers for their cooperation and hoped that athletes from other countries would not have to endure such extensive testing in the future.

The rigorous testing regime has not revealed any violations among Team China's swimmers.

Dong Jun, a sports commentator based in Beijing, told CGTN, "The intensive testing on Team China is a good way to prove its clarity. The result will speak for everything."

This statement comes amid reports recalling positive tests of 23 Chinese swimmers in 2021, seven months before the Tokyo Olympics.

An investigation attributed these results to contaminated food, a common issue globally.

David Lappartient, a member of the Foundation Board of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and president of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, confirmed there were no violations of anti-doping rules in this instance.

"There is no reason to doubt WADA's position regarding this case," Lappartient stated.

China's commitment to anti-doping is robust!

On July 25, the China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) pledged to collaborate with all relevant parties to uphold global anti-doping standards.

This commitment is echoed by the Chinese government, with foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasizing in June the country's "zero-tolerance" stance on doping and its adherence to the World Anti-Doping Code to protect athletes' health and ensure fair play.

Anti-doping measures are a critical aspect of China's sports development plan during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), which includes enhancing the anti-doping system, revising laws, and developing advanced drug detection technologies.