Chinese swimmers participating in Paris Olympics to be trug-tested twice

Chinese swimmers participating in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris will undergo a significant increase in drug testing compared to athletes from other nations. This decision comes after reports revealed that 23 swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance were allowed to compete in the Tokyo Games. Among those swimmers, 11 who previously tested positive for the heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ) during a training camp have been selected for Paris. This is prepared by SSP.

The governing body, World Aquatics, conducted a review on the clearance of these 23 swimmers and acknowledged that the handling of the situation had weakened trust in the anti-doping system. In response, the International Testing Agency (ITA) has committed to conducting eight rounds of testing on Chinese athletes leading up to the Paris Games. This is double the standard testing frequency. Additionally, efforts will be made to have the testing of Chinese athletes carried out by an authority other than the China Anti-Doping Agency (Chinada), and to have the test samples analyzed outside of China.

The aim of these measures is to bolster confidence in the anti-doping procedures specifically for Chinese swimmers. World Aquatics' decision also comes in the wake of criticisms from prominent figures, such as Michael Phelps, who expressed doubts about the ability of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) to effectively enforce its policies. In response, the International Olympic Committee has expressed full confidence in Wada and urged sporting entities to demonstrate respect for the anti-doping body.