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Doping Controversy in Chinese Swimming

The New York Times

Tang Muhan, a 20-year-old Chinese swimmer, is facing controversy ahead of her competition in Paris. Along with teammate He Jun, Tang tested positive for a banned steroid in 2022. Typically, such cases would lead to suspension, a hearing, and public disclosure, but these athletes were secretly suspended and cleared by the Chinese anti-doping agency. The Chinese narrative claims the contamination came from hamburgers eaten during a training camp in Beijing. Despite skepticism, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accepted this explanation due to insufficient evidence to disprove it. This case adds to a pattern of Chinese swimmers being implicated in doping scandals but exonerated through similar claims of contamination.

Highlights

• Tang Muhan and He Jun tested positive for a banned steroid in 2022.
• Athletes were secretly suspended and cleared by the Chinese anti-doping agency.
• Contamination allegedly came from eating hamburgers in Beijing.
• WADA accepted China's explanation despite skepticism.
• Steroid in question is used for lean muscle mass and performance enhancement.
• Experts find it unlikely that the steroid was in the meat.
• This case follows a pattern of Chinese swimmers cleared of doping allegations.
• Previous instances involved secret hearings for Chinese athletes.
• WADA has repeatedly accepted Chinese contamination claims.
• Tang Muhan is free to compete in Paris despite the controversy.