China Admits to 6 Positive Doping Tests in Swimming

Editorial Coverage Sponsored By FINIS

CHINADA, the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency, has admitted that it currently is working through six positive doping cases, but will not release names or any other information citing privacy requirements.

After The Times in the United Kingdom claimed a cover-up of five positive tests, CHINADA confirmed six swimming cases with The Associated Press and denied any attempt at a coverup.

Zhao Jian, deputy director of CHINADA, told The AP it had three positive tests for clenbuterol from last summer, and that there have also been three other positive cases this year. Zhao explained that since the full adjudication of punishments has not come to a conclusion, that CHINADA would not release any other information regarding these tests.

Zhao cited WADA rules and regulations that only require public release of positive doping information within 20 days following a punishment being applied.

The Times had reported that a cover-up was occurring within China and that someone had leaked information to the paper with the hope to shine more light on the situation.

“Since the very beginning, China has never covered up any positive doping tests,” Zhao said. “I am not sure what (The Times) really referred to and the report was vague. So there has not been such a sensational thing such as a cover-up and it is not true.”

The Times also reported that Zhou Ming, who has been banned for life by FINA since 1998, continues to train swimmers in Tianjin. Zhou was banned for his involvement in China’s systematic doping of swimmers with human growth hormone during the 90s.

Yesterday, The Times drew dead aim at Russian Swimming, stating that there is systematic doping within the country.

Full Associated Press article.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use

Name*

Email*

2 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Pedro Herrero

8 years ago

The only surprise here is the low number…

Diane Pavelin

8 years ago

Reply to Pedro Herrero

Agreed. Not surprised about the Chinese, because they have a history of doing this dating back over 20 years.