Pau Gasol, a respected member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes Commission, has voiced his support for Chinese swimmers facing extensive doping tests at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Gasol described the increased testing as \"unfortunate\" and emphasized the importance of respecting the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) authority and testing protocols.
During a press conference, Gasol highlighted that multiple tests conducted on Chinese swimmers had not revealed any doping violations. \"There was absolutely nothing found [in tests], and I am not sure whether the measure [testing Chinese swimmers two or three times more than others] is right or not,\" he stated.
The issue stems from reports by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and various international media outlets, which have raised concerns about a 2021 food contamination incident affecting 23 Chinese swimmers. These reports, some labeled as politically motivated, have been criticized for undermining WADA's testing system. The New York Times further fueled controversy by inaccurately reporting positive clenbuterol tests involving Chinese athletes in 2022.
Gasol called these media reports \"controversial\" and urged the public to trust WADA's processes. \"In my perspective, we are trying to make sure that everyone understands the work of WADA, and respects it and understands their process, trusting on their ability to keep our sports clean,\" he explained.
The heightened scrutiny has placed additional pressure on the Chinese swimming team competing in Paris. According to World Aquatics, anti-doping organizations have subjected each Chinese swimmer to an average of 21 tests since January 1, significantly higher than the averages for American and Australian swimmers.
Gasol, who has represented the Spanish men's basketball team in five Olympic Games from Athens 2004 to Tokyo 2020, expressed sympathy for the Chinese swimmers. He praised their cooperation with the numerous doping tests, acknowledging the challenges they face. \"Multiple times in early of the day and night, it's not easy for the athletes, especially because it disrupts rest, training, and other schedules. As an athlete, I appreciate the cooperation of the Chinese swimmers in this case,\" Gasol noted.
He concluded by hoping that such excessive testing does not become a common experience for athletes from any country. \"Hopefully this will not happen more often to any other athletes from any countries,\" Gasol added.
Reference(s):
Pau Gasol sympathizes with Chinese swimmers, urges respect for WADA
cgtn.com
