China aiming for a clean team at Games

Anti-drug body taking stringent steps to stamp out doping

CHANGCHUN, Jilin province - With the London Olympics approaching, China's top sports authority has set a target of zero positive dope tests at the sports extravaganza.

Zhao Jian, deputy director of the China Anti-Doping Agency (CADA), told China Daily the State General Administration of Sport of China has started to implement strict procedures, including the education of athletes, specific tests and food safety control, at the country's 12th National Winter Games in Changchun.

"Anti-doping is a long-term job, not only for the Olympics, but we will face more pressure this year because the Olympic Games is the most prestigious event for athletes and there might be some driven to take the (doping) risk," Zhao said.

According to Zhao, China now conducts more than 10,000 doping tests annually. There may be a slight increase in that number this year, but the authority's priority is educating the athletes, which is seen as the most crucial aspect.

Besides outstanding performances, Chinese athletes will also need to pass an anti-doping qualification assessment, in which they must go through a series of tests - such as integrity education, basic knowledge (of drugs), to qualify for the Olympic team.

"Most of the athletes at the Olympics are the country's elite, who experience a lot of doping tests throughout the year, and know what to expect," Zhao said. "But we can't afford any mistakes in anti-doping, because there is no room for regret in this regard. Therefore, education is the most important thing."

Meanwhile, the sports authority has started to carry out specific examinations targeting the country's top athletes.

"Though we can't decide the line-up of the Olympic delegation right now, we are sure it will comprise the country's best athletes and a certain amount of them will become targets of our tests this year," Zhao said.

Food safety is another major concern as several athletes, including Chinese judo Olympic champion Tong Wen, have failed drug tests due to the alleged unintentional intake of banned anabolic steroid clenbuterol, which can be used to speed up and increase muscle mass in animals. Tong's two-year suspension was rescinded by the International Judo Federation.

"The athletes should form healthy living habits and avoid eating carelessly, after all, they are different from normal people," Zhao said. "As far as I know, those in the national teams are not allowed to eat outside (the team camps).

"Another important aspect is the control of food sources," Zhao said. "All of our national teams have training bases, and the food provided to the bases are bought via reliable channels. It's an effective method to avoid potential risks if we control the sources."

There are also ways for athletes who fail tests to appeal their innocence, Zhao said.

"Athletes and sports governing bodies are responsible to set up investigations if any use of medicine or accidental consumption of drug-tainted food leads to a positive result," Zhao said. "We have certain procedures for athletes to defend themselves, such as open a hearing at which they can explain how they may have tested positive. We may also offer (investigative) assistance if necessary."

China Daily