IOC member sympathizes with Chinese swimmers for undergoing frequent tests, urges respect for WADA
Two-time NBA champion and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Pau Gasol voiced his "unfortunate" feeling on Friday at a press conference over the frequent doping tests that Chinese swimmers have been subjected to, calling for respect toward the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and its testing system.
"There was absolutely nothing found [in tests], and I am not sure whether the measure [of testing Chinese swimmers twice or three times than others] is right or not," Gasol said during a press conference at the Paris Olympics.
Since April, the US Anti-Doping Agency and some foreign media outlets have disseminated a series of politically biased and inaccurate reports concerning a food contamination incident involving 23 Chinese swimmers in 2021. These reports have sought to undermine the credibility of WADA's testing mechanisms. The New York Times has notably amplified the narrative by sensationalizing a 2022 clenbuterol positive test linked to a Chinese athlete, sparking further discontent.
This misleading coverage has cast a shadow over the Chinese swimming team at the Olympics, manifesting in an increased rate of doping tests. Between January 1, 2024, and the onset of the Paris Olympics, Chinese swimmers were subjected to an average of 21 tests per individual by anti-doping bodies -- a figure starkly contrasting with the US team's average of six tests and Australia's four, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Gasol remarked that the American media's reports were "controversial," and he urged people to trust the world's anti-doping governing body.
"In my perspective, we are trying to make sure that everyone understands the work of WADA and respects it and understands their process, trusting on their ability to keep our sports clean," Gasol stated.
An accomplished Olympian, Gasol represented Spain's men's basketball team in five Olympic Games from 2004 to 2021. He sympathized with the Chinese swimmers' plight and commended their cooperation with the testing process, acknowledging the disruption to their training and rest schedules.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams on Friday also told a press conference that the Chinese swimming team has been "the most tested team" at the Paris Olympics. Since January to date, the team has undergone more than 600 tests.
On Saturday, Chinese swimmer Wang Shun won a bronze medal in the 200m individual medley final at the Paris 2024 Olympics. After the medal ceremony, he was honored with a handshake from the French President, Emmanuel Macron.
Post-competition, when asked about doping by foreign reporters, Wang stated firmly that Chinese athletes are committed to winning "clean, stylish, and moral gold medals." He disclosed undergoing 28 tests from the conclusion of domestic selections to the Olympics.
Wang expressed his satisfaction with his performance on China's X-like Sina Weibo. "The fourth Olympic journey has come to an end today. With my modest strength, I have supported Chinese swimming, and our team remains an unbreakable force."
Despite repeated clarifications by the World Swimming Federation and WADA regarding the food contamination incident, certain Western media outlets persist in their pursuit. Chinese swimmer Zhang Yufei, when questioned by an Australian Channel 7 reporter about the doping accusation, responded calmly, defending the World Swimming Federation's fairness and integrity.
"After the news was announced, especially by some foreign websites using my avatar, it did indeed cause me trouble. It's not my problem, but I have to bear the consequences. It is inappropriate to expose our names. I believe the World Swimming Federation is a fair entity, and it will not allow any country to make special moves or special cover-ups," she said.
Yang Junxuan, a member of the women's 4x200m freestyle relay bronze medal team, echoed similar sentiments at a press conference, urging those with doubts to review the clear statements and explanations provided by the World Swimming Federation, WADA, and the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency.
Yang concluded, "The achievements of Chinese swimming are founded on scientific training. We will prove with our strength that our accomplishments are clean and beyond reproach. As the most frequently tested athletes globally, we continue to cooperate fully, confident in a fair and just outcome," Xinhua News Agency reported.
