The Chinese Swimming Association has confirmed swimmer Chen Xinyi has failed a doping test at the Rio Olympics, China’s first positive doping test result at the Games.
The 18-year-old Chen, a rising star in the Chinese swim team who came fourth in the women’s 100-metre butterfly final, tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic which can be used to mask other performance enhancing drugs, in a test on August 7th.
The confirmation comes as China has gone on the offensive against accusations by Aussie swimmer Mack Horton that its top swimmer Sun Yang is a drug cheat.
Chen has applied to the International Olympic Committee for a test of sample B and taken the matter to the CAS (Court of Arbitration of Sport) to look into the matter, said the CSA.
She was scheduled to take part in the heats for the 50-metre freestyle on Friday.
“The CSA has taken this matter seriously and demanded full cooperation from Chen in the investigation,” the CSA said. “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.”
