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Pau Gasol Backs Chinese Swimmers, Calls for Respect for WADA 🏊‍♂️

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Pau Gasol, the legendary basketball star and member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes Commission, has voiced his support for Chinese swimmers who have been facing frequent doping tests. Speaking at a press conference during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Gasol described the situation as \"unfortunate\" and urged everyone to respect the authority of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and its testing system.

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\"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,\" Gasol said. 🏀✨

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Since early this year, anti-doping organizations have tested each Chinese swimmer an average of 21 times. This number is significantly higher compared to their peers from other countries, with American swimmers averaging six tests and Australian swimmers averaging four, according to World Aquatics.

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The increased scrutiny has put added pressure on the Chinese swimming team competing in Paris. Gasol empathized with the swimmers' situation and praised their cooperation. \"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,\" he noted.

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Reports from some media outlets have been stirring controversy 🤔. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and several international media have published reports since April regarding a food contamination incident that affected 23 Chinese swimmers in 2021. These reports have been criticized as politically motivated attempts to undermine WADA's testing system.

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Gasol urged everyone 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 stated.

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He concluded with hope for fair treatment for all athletes: \"Hopefully this will not happen more often to any other athletes from any countries.\" 🌍🤝

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Reference(s):

Pau Gasol sympathizes with Chinese swimmers, urges respect for WADA

cgtn.com