China has typically used its state-controlled media to defend athletes accused of doping, but in the face of 23 elite swimmers testing positive before the 2021 Olympic Games, the country is now maintaining virtual silence. Though the issue has garnered international attention, Chinese media coverage has been limited, reflecting the stakes involved just weeks before the Paris Olympics. Swimming is a highly-invested sport in China, making accusations of doping particularly embarrassing for the nation.
China has denied any wrongdoing and attributed the positive tests to contaminated food. This explanation has been met with skepticism, as the swimmers have remained quiet on the matter. While Chinese authorities have denounced accusations of a cover-up, they have limited discussion of the issue on social media platforms like Weibo. This level of censorship is typically reserved for more politically sensitive topics, indicating the seriousness of the situation for China.
The scandal comes amidst a corruption investigation involving China’s top sports authority, adding further scrutiny to the situation. As experts question the handling of the positive tests and the lack of transparency, the reputation of China’s sports system is at risk. The international community, including WADA, has also questioned why the swimmers were not publicly identified or suspended, as per protocol. With the Olympics fast approaching, China’s response, or lack thereof, to the doping scandal continues to be closely monitored.
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