Last month, The New York Times revealed a startling report stating that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for trimetazidine, a prohibited substance. Trimetazidine is a prescription heart medication known to enhance stamina, endurance, and recovery time. This shocking revelation comes merely seven months ahead of the anticipated Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Several swimmers, including a few medalists with three golds, have their sights set on contending once more in Paris.
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The World Anti-Doping Agency later confirmed the positive tests and stated that the China Anti-Doping Agency asserted that the results were caused by unintentional exposure to the substance due to contamination.
The anti-doping agency has determined that it cannot refute the possibility that TMZ may have been caused by contamination. Consequently, WADA has also cleared the athletes of any fault or negligence.
China’s Wang Shun emerged victorious in the men’s 200-meter individual medley event at the Tokyo Olympics, clinching the gold medal. Additionally, China’s mixed 4×100-meter medley relay team, comprising Zhang Yufei, Yang Junxuan, Yan Zibei, and Xu Jiayu, secured a silver medal.
The Chinese women’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay team, comprising of Zhang Yufei, Zhang Yifan, Tang Muhan, Yang Yunxuan, Li Bingjie, and Dong Jie, narrowly defeated Ledecky’s American team by a mere 0.40 seconds. Additionally, Zhang Yufei secured silver medals in both the women’s 100- and 200-meter butterfly events.
Zhang Yufei, Wang Shun, and Yang Junxuan were among the swimmers who tested positive for TMZ, as uncovered by The Times and German outlet ARD during their investigation into doping.
According to Ledecky, it appears that all the necessary protocols were not strictly adhered to in this particular case. He emphasizes the importance of holding someone accountable and seeks clarification on the reasons behind the mishap, wanting to understand why things unfolded the way they did.
“I strongly believe that it is crucial to take immediate action to restore confidence in the global system moving forward.”
The Paris 2024 Summer Games will kick off with the opening ceremony on July 26th, preceded by two days of exciting events. The grand celebration will mark the beginning of this spectacular sporting extravaganza, which will captivate audiences until its conclusion on August 11th.
