On Monday, China’s internet was ablaze with delight and pride when the national swim team ended the US’s Olympic domination in the men’s 4×100 meters medley relay. Given the team’s doping scandal, this win is extra meaningful.
Amazing Relay Work
The relay’s final leg on Sunday was a masterful performance by Pan Zhanle, who established a world record in the 100m freestyle a week earlier. His pace helped China beat American and French swimmers from third to first. Pan beat his 100m final mark of 46.40 seconds to 45.92 seconds. Team USA missed gold for the first time since the 1960 Olympics, finishing 0.55 seconds behind.
China won its second swimming gold at the Paris Olympics after Pan’s record-setting success last Wednesday.
Controversy and Probe
However, controversy surrounds this win. It was reported that over half of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned chemical months before the games. China’s Anti-Doping Agency cleared these athletes, blaming hotel restaurant contamination. The World Anti-Doping Agency accepted this explanation without objection, but swimmers are upset.
The World Anti-Doping Agency confirmed another 2022 case of two Chinese swimmers testing positive for a banned anabolic steroid last week. They were also cleared of food contamination violations.
US Pride and Online Celebration
Chinese social media celebrated despite the scandal. Weibo views for “Pan Zhanle’s stunning reversal” exceeded 500 million. Pan turned 20 on Sunday and thanked the squad for the gold medal in a viral post.
Pan is also famous for his honesty and confidence. Despite their unhappiness, he said, “The race is over, and the championship is ours.”
Global Skepticism
International distrust continues while China celebrates. After the race, British Olympic gold medalist Adam Peaty urged for tighter doping laws, emphasizing fair competition.
China is celebrating its historic Olympic win despite the ongoing dispute over its swimming achievements.
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