Chinese swimmers dope-tested the most ahead of World Aquatics Championships

HONG KONG – Chinese swimmers took more anti-doping tests in 2025 than swimmers from any other country ahead of the July 11-Aug 3 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, the Aquatics Integrity Unit said in a report.

From Jan 1, Chinese swimmers had an average of 8.8 anti-doping tests versus those from the United States who were tested 4.1 times and those from Britain who were tested 2.2 times, the report showed.

Swimmers competing as neutrals – mainly those with Russian nationality – were tested 8.2 times on average.

In total the Aquatics Integrity Unit conducted 4,018 anti-doping tests on athletes participating in the Singapore event.

“The report underscores World Aquatics unwavering commitment to fair competition and the highest standards of integrity in aquatic sport,” it said.

The China Swimming Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China’s swimming team has faced heightened scrutiny since revelations in April 2024 that 23 swimmers had tested positive for a banned heart medication in 2021 but were permitted to compete in the Tokyo Olympics that year.

Of the 23, Zhang Yufei, Wang Shun and Yang Junxuan won gold in Tokyo, while Qin Haiyang took home a gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Eleven of the 23 were selected for the Paris Games.

The World Anti-Doping Agency accepted the findings of a Chinese investigation that the results were due to contamination from a hotel kitchen. An independent review backed the World Anti-Doping Agency’s handling of the case.

Testing will remain in force until the end of the event, with 830 samples to be collected during 24 days of competition, the Aquatics Integrity Unit said.

China’s male freestyle sprinter Wang Haoyu was tested 13 times, while 200 metre breaststroke world record holder Qin Haiyang was tested 12 times, the report showed. REUTERS