Chinese swimmers have emerged as the most rigorously tested Olympians in preparation for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, according to recent statistics released by World Aquatics on Tuesday. Amid ongoing controversies and accusations from the US, experts emphasize that Team China remains steadfast and confident while cautioning against the politicization of sports.
Since January 1, 2024, World Aquatics has conducted a total of 2,145 anti-doping tests on Olympic competitors, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency in a press release. The international federation, formerly known as FINA and recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for overseeing water sports competitions, highlighted that Chinese swimmers have undergone the highest number of tests during this period.
According to World Aquatics, each of the 31 Chinese swimmers set to compete in Paris has been tested at least 10 times, averaging 13 tests per swimmer. Collectively, Chinese swimmers have been subjected to 418 tests, with at least 8 out-of-competition tests administered independently by World Aquatics using a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory based in Europe. When including tests by other anti-doping organizations, Chinese swimmers have undergone an average of 21 tests since the beginning of the year.
Earlier this month, Yu Liang, the Chinese national swim team nutritionist, highlighted the extensive scrutiny faced by Chinese swimmers, noting nearly 200 tests conducted by the International Testing Agency (ITA) since their arrival in France.
World Aquatics affirmed that the 4,774 tests conducted on aquatics athletes in total represents a record number before any Olympic Games. This milestone underscores the rigorous anti-doping measures being implemented ahead of Paris 2024.
The heightened scrutiny of Chinese swimmers follows allegations from the US regarding positive tests for the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ) during a 2021 domestic competition in China. However, investigations later determined that these results stemmed from contaminated food consumed during the event, absolving the athletes of any wrongdoing. Both WADA and World Aquatics accepted the findings of the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) on this matter.
Criticism and allegations from the US have been characterized by Chinese experts as politically motivated and lacking in credibility. Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, criticized the US for its history of double standards and bias in such cases, suggesting that these actions are aimed at obstructing China’s influence.
In response to the scrutiny, Chinese officials and experts have underscored their commitment to compliance and transparency in sports, affirming their readiness to cooperate with international regulations.
As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach, the focus remains on ensuring fair competition and protecting the integrity of athletes, amidst calls to prevent the misuse of sports for political purposes.
The swimming events at the Paris Olympics are scheduled to commence on Saturday, following the opening ceremony.
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