Chinese Anti-Doping Compliance and Steroid Controversies

The New York Times

Tang Muhan, a 20-year-old Chinese athlete, is set to compete in the 200-meter freestyle relay in Paris. She, along with another athlete, He Jun, tested positive for a banned steroid in 2022. Normally, this would lead to suspension, a hearing, and public disclosure. However, the Chinese anti-doping agency (Chinada) handled their cases secretly, which raises questions about transparency. The Chinese narrative stated that the athletes consumed contaminated meat containing the steroid. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), despite suspicions, cleared the athletes as they couldn't disprove the contamination claim. This isn't the first instance; previous cases involving Chinese swimmers and steroids also ended similarly. Each time, WADA relied on the Chinese explanations, leaving questions about the integrity of the anti-doping monitoring process.

Highlights

• Tang Muhan competing in 200m freestyle relay in Paris.
• Tang and He Jun tested positive for a banned steroid in 2022.
• Secret suspensions and hearings by the Chinese anti-doping agency.
• Chinese claim contaminated meat caused the positive tests.
• Steroid found in hamburgers; experts skeptical of this explanation.
• WADA cleared athletes despite skepticism.
• Historical pattern of secretive handling of steroid cases in Chinese athletes.
• Previous cases involved other Chinese swimmers testing positive for banned substances.
• WADA repeatedly accepted Chinese explanations without public disclosure.
• Integrity of anti-doping regulations under question with latest Paris competition.