Zhang Yufei Addresses Doping Concerns Ahead of Paris Olympics

NANTERRE, France (AP) — Chinese swimming star Zhang Yufei has expressed her hope that international competitors will view her as a clean athlete, following her rigorous drug testing regimen leading up to the Paris Olympics. Zhang revealed that she underwent between 20 to 30 drug tests each month, emphasizing that no athlete, whether Chinese or foreign, would risk their hard-earned achievements through doping. She qualified as the top contender for the 100-meter butterfly final, clocking in at 56.50 seconds during the opening day of swimming events. Zhang's concerns stem from a previous doping scandal involving 23 Chinese swimmers ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, which has cast a shadow over the team. The World Anti-Doping Agency cleared these athletes after determining that a banned heart medication found in their systems was due to contamination from spice containers at a hotel. Despite this, Zhang remains anxious about how her peers perceive her and her teammates, fearing that they may be judged unfairly due to past incidents. In her remarks, Zhang expressed worry that her international friends might view her with suspicion, potentially affecting their willingness to compete alongside her. She also voiced concerns about the perception of Chinese athletes among the French public, stating that it would be disheartening if they felt undeserving of their Olympic stage. World Aquatics, the governing body for swimming, has confirmed that extensive testing protocols are in place for Chinese swimmers ahead of the Games. Hungarian swimmer Ajna Kesely acknowledged these measures, indicating that they reflect a commitment to fair competition and the integrity of the sport.