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Swimming teams across the world are giving mixed reactions to the Chinese doping case that has been making headlines since last Friday. The case spotlights 23 Chinese swimmers who allegedly tested positive for a banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ) about seven months before the Tokyo Olympic Games held in 2021. The substance reportedly enhances the user's stamina and reduces recovery time.
This case has surfaced after more than three years and has drawn sharp criticism from the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The New York Times highlighted an American Olympian saying she felt her team was cheated.
Olympic athlete Mandy Marquardt expressed disappointment on USADA's Instagram post about the doping case. The cyclist said it's extremely hard to compete with countries who continue to dope.
"This is my second time missing out on the Olympics by one country spot and knowing I'm missing out where others are cheating breaks my heart," Marquardt commented.
Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky also took to her Instagram stories to highlight the USADA's statement while Kathleen Baker, who won a gold medal in the 4x100m medley relay at the 2016 Rio Olympics, said she's proud to be an American. As per SwimSwam, Baker said:
"For all that athletes, including myself put on the line it breaks my heart to see the playing field not kept level and clean by those who are responsible for it."
Meanwhile, Australia's swim coach Denis Cotterell, who has worked with the Chinese Swimming Association for the past two years, defended China. He said (via The Sydney Morning Herald):
"I am happy to say I'm absolutely in support of my swimmers and dispute any suggestion of anything orchestrated."
Cotterell added:
"I see what they go through. I see the measures. I can tell you the stories. I know the stories. I know the facts and I am comfortable."
Australia and USA Swimming reiterate commitment to a clean sport
With the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standing by its inquiry, Australia and USA swimming have reiterated their commitment to a clean sport. In a statement, Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse pointed out that they are just 50 days from the Olympic trials.
"We are 50 days out from our Olympic trials and less than 100 days out from the Olympic opening ceremony. We welcome the stringent testing our athletes face to ensure a level playing field," Woodhouse said (via The Sydney Morning Herald).
He added:
"We will always advocate for fairness and integrity, and we believe that all athletes deserve the right to earn success by their own hard work."
USA Swimming told its followers on Instagram that it remains steadfastly committed to clean sport at all levels of competition.
