Chinese swimmer has tested positive
Chinese swimmer Chen Xinyi has failed a doping test at the Rio Olympic Games, the Chinese Swimming Association announced in Beijing on Friday morning.
The 18-year-old tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, on Sunday, after she finished fourth in the 100m butterfly final.
Diuretics increase urination and can be used to hide the presence of performance-enhancing substances that are screened for in doping tests.
Chen has applied to the International Olympic Committee for testing of another sample and a hearing to look into the matter, said the Chinese association.
“The CSA has taken this matter seriously and demanded full cooperation from Chen in the investigation,” it said in a statement.
“The CSA resolutely opposes use of banned substances. We will cooperate with the Court of Arbitration for Sport during its investigation and will respect its final ruling.”
Chen was scheduled to take part in the women's 50m freestyle heats on late Friday morning.
In order to boost the accountability and transparency of the Rio Games, the IOC has adopted a new step in its doping control process.
After a positive test result, the IOC will investigate whether the athlete in question has a legitimate reason to take a banned substance, according to a statement from the Rio Olympics Organizing Committee.
If the IOC decides there is a case, the Court of Arbitration for Sport will take over to determine whether the positive test result constitutes an anti-doping violation. If it is determined that a violation occurred, the IOC will mete out Games-related penalties such as disqualification, according to the statement.
Only one Chinese athlete has previously failed a doping test at the Olympics.
At the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Wu Dan of the Chinese women’s volleyball team tested positive for strychnine, a banned substance and performance enhancer.
Wu claimed she was taking traditional Chinese medicine that contained the substance. She was banned from subsequent matches at the 1992 Games, but no further suspension was issued.