Chinese Swimmers Undergo Stricter Drug Tests Ahead of Paris Olympics

Chinese swimmers preparing for the Paris Olympics are subjected to extensive drug testing. This follows a 2021 scandal where 11 athletes tested positive for banned substances but avoided suspension. World Aquatics now mandates rigorous testing and transparency to rebuild trust and ensure fair play.

Chinese swimmers heading to the Paris Olympics are facing increased drug testing, undergoing at least eight tests this year, World Aquatics announced on Monday.

In 2021, the Chinese swim team saw 11 athletes test positive for a banned heart medication just six months before the Tokyo Olympics but avoided suspension. They later won three gold medals in Tokyo. A Chinese state-backed investigation blamed food contamination but provided no evidence, a revelation recently reported by the New York Times and ARD.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), criticized and scrutinized by a U.S. federal investigation, accepted China's explanation in 2021 when COVID-19 travel restrictions made on-site investigations impossible. A recent report cleared WADA of bias, but scrutiny continues.

World Aquatics plans to significantly increase anti-doping tests, especially for Chinese athletes, and will publish the test results before the Olympics. The organization's five-member panel, including former Spanish sports minister Miguel Cardenal and Olympic gold medalist Florent Manaudou, found no irregularities by World Aquatics but recommended greater transparency and communication.

"World Aquatics must accept this challenge and intensify its communication with athletes," the panel stated, emphasizing that publishing provisional suspensions and testing details is crucial for maintaining trust.

(With inputs from agencies.)