China’s anti-doping agency (CHINADA) has accused The New York Times of “politicizing doping issues,” according to a new report from Reuters.
China has accused The Times of trying to “affect the psychology” of Chinese athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The newspaper reported that two Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned steroid, but the suspensions were lifted when the source of the positive tests got traced to contaminated foods.
“(The New York Times’) main purpose is to disrupt the order of the Paris Olympic swimming competition, affect the psychology of Chinese athletes and weaken their competitive ability,” CHINADA said in a statement on Wednesday.
“This is extremely unfair and immoral.”
The Times, however, refused to back down from the report.
“We are confident in the accuracy of our reporting,” a spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.
China cited doping contamination in meat products, which they said is “a common problem worldwide,” according to Reuters.
“Relevant research shows that trenbolone is a protein anabolic preparation that has a strong effect of improving strength and explosive power, and is not a common contaminant,” CHINADA said.
China, as of Friday morning, had amassed an eye-popping 13 gold medals at the Paris Games.
[Reuters]
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