Chinese swimmer Chen Xinyi tests positive for banned substance

Olympics

Photo: VCG

Chinese swimmer Chen Xinyi has failed a doping test at the Rio Olympic Games, the Chinese Swimming Association announced in a statement Friday morning.

The 18-year-old tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, on Aug. 7 after she finished fourth in the 100-meter butterfly final in 56.72 seconds. Known commonly as a water pill, diuretics work to expel salt and water from the body.

Chen has applied to the International Olympic Committee for testing of a second sample and a hearing to look into the matter, the swimming association known as the CSA said.

“The CSA has taken this matter seriously and demanded full cooperation from Chen in the investigation,” the association said in the statement.

“The CSA resolutely opposes use of banned substances. We will cooperate with the Court of Arbitration of Sport during its investigation and will respect the final ruling by the CAS.”

Photo: VCG

Photo: VCG

Chen missed out on the podium in the 100-meter butterfly final on Sunday as she came fourth in 56.72 seconds, 0.09 behind bronze medalist Dana Vollmer of the United States. Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom won the event in a world record time of 55.48, with Canadian Penny Oleksiak in second place in 56.46.

Chen was previously scheduled to take part in the women’s 50-meter freestyle heats late Friday morning.

In order to add accountability and transparency of the Rio Games, the IOC has adopted a new step in its doping control process.

After an adverse analytical finding appears, the IOC will first carry out the initial research to determine whether the athlete in question has any legitimate reason to take banned substance, according to an early statement from the Rio Olympics organizing committee.

Once the IOC decides there is a case to answer, the Court of Arbitration of Sport will take over to determine whether an adverse finding translates into an anti-doping violation or not, the Chinese Swimming Association’s statement said.

The IOC then will mete out Games-related penalties such as disqualification, the statement also said.

Story by Xinhua and CCTV America.