SO the first doping accusation in the London Olympics has kicked off with the sensational Chinese swimmer Ye Shiwen. It makes me wonder if a non-Chinese (or just a non-Asian for that matter) swimmer had created the same magic in the pool that Saturday evening, would she be subjected to such heavy criticism. Really. But I can't blame those who doubted/ doubt Ye if you had seen her create that record.
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| Ye Shiwen won with a time of 4:28.43 |
Ye not only won gold in the women's 400m individual medley but she also smashed the world record by a second, her own personal best by five seconds, and swam the final 50m faster than both the American stars Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte had managed in the men's 400m individual medley. Now, that must be mind-boggling too - to have beaten two of world's best male swimmers in that final lap.
No wonder World Swimming Coaches Association executive director John Leonard labelled Ye's feat as 'unbelievable', you know, as in 'impossible', quite suspiciously. It's probably natural for a lot of people to suspect some kind of doping at this point + given China's track record with drugs in the swimming arena in the 1990s, it really doesn't help with the suspicion.
Then again, magic happens in every Olympic. Just look back. The International Olympic Committee says that Ye has passed the drug test after the medley. That should clear her and keep everyone happy. If Ye's been lucky, then remember, every magic comes with a price too ( to quote Rumpelstilskin from Once Upon a Time, I just love him too much). It may crop up later but for now, I think we should just appreciate this record-breaking performance in all its glory and look forward to more jaw-dropping feats by Ye.
Give her a break. She's 16. It's amazing what the human spirit is capable of at that age given the right coaching and direction + she must have it in her too and undeniably, there is something right in the Chinese system that is able to bring out such drive and discipline in their athletes.
Besides, there is nothing that the Chinese cannot do. Look around you. I'm pretty sure half the things you own have labels that say 'Made In China'. I'm not fond of every Chinese-made thing but some things are really okay.
:)
I understand what you're saying Jaya, I don't really think that she did cheat but it wouldn't surprise me at the same time because beating her own record by five seconds is incredible and suspicious I won't lie. Congratulations to the girl though, she's became famous worldwide and I can't help but be chuffed for her!
ReplyDeletesomething too good is bound to raise suspicions. that's the way it is i guess. but yeah, good for her, Matthew!
DeleteI thought this was first going to be about the rage over the USA uniforms being made in china.
ReplyDeleteeven some luxury Swiss watch parts are also being made in china these days. China is cheap and they can make anything.
DeleteSa's Cameron Van Der Burgh broke a record and took gold for us and I just heard that Chad le Clos took gold leaving Michael Phelps with Silver. So everyone here is quite happy - not that I care that much ;D
ReplyDeleteI'm more interested in Once upon a time - I've grown to LOVE the show. And how tragic is Rumpelstilskin's story... *sigh*
when i first heard SA won a gold in swimming, i had to google it and see it for myself. of course, you should be happy :D
Deleteonce upon a time is genius, isnt it. my favourite character is Rumpelstilskin of course. i think Robert Carlyle is amazing, playing the character. i also like the twist of character with Red. it's awesome that she's also the wolf! oh well, i'm still just digesting season one. need to download season 2!
I'm still on season 1 too. And agreed, Red's story is genius! And I love their background stories too ;)
DeleteIt is an incredible feat and I think she has an amazing future ahead of her. I would be very disappointed if things didn't happen on the up an up, but she still did fantastic.
ReplyDeleteshe does ! i would be too :( just the way i was with Marion Jones.
DeleteAlways suspicion seems to come first, if she didn't cheat good for her, if she did then she'll get it in the end, karma can be a pain.
ReplyDeleteis there a way to pepper-spray away karma, Pat ?
Deletelol
Hey, if she passes all the drug tests, that's good enough for me. I do understand the suspicion of China, though. Remember the sketchy ages of the female gymnasts in Beijing?
ReplyDeletethat's always been quite controversial as well. i think they even stripped off a medal from one gymnast during one olympic because she turned out to be 14 or something. min age is supposed to be 16. hanky panky.
Deletesad.
Heard about it in the news. Since she's clean, good for her.
ReplyDeleteyeah. good for her :)
DeleteI reckon its all that Bak Kut Teh they eat...keeps them bodies warm, makes her swim fast. Must make Nath a believer in Ba Kut Teh Power!
ReplyDeleteBak Kuk Teh is a Malaysian thing, Danny. Also when you're seriously training to be a world champion, i'm sure they monitor your food. BKT doesnt sound like a champion's food.
Deletethat will never happen in this lifetime! hahaha. Nat's in his own food bubble.
I'm a little suspicious, but also a little pissed off. Why shouldn't she be able to top the men?
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
exactly ! anything is possible.
DeleteThe Americans just hate getting beaten...especially by old communist nations... of course they must be cheating it has nothing to do with her age and physical development
ReplyDeletehahaha. age is a huge factor. look at kristy coventry. she set the world record for 200m backstroke and 2 olympics later, there are younger, stronger ones in the arena. her record still stays but her time is different now.
Deletewe just love watching them all compete.
ReplyDeleteme too :) olympics' been keeping me awake all night.
DeleteThey're so stupid la...they're just so arrogant to assume that only they can win, so the first thing they think of is that the other person has cheated!
ReplyDeletesuper power of the world :)
DeleteChina is dominating everything and everyone else is getting butthurt over it.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder why they had her tested for drugs. :P
The Chinese have yet to master how to run quickly, though. I can't recall a single one of them shining on the athletics track. Maybe they need to up their ginseng dosage.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, this Olympics has been pretty awesome.. I still can't seem to get over the image of Usain Bolt tearing himself to a world record.. yup, the Chinese truly rock with their dedication, determination and drive.. they are really taking over the world (and the waters :)) by storm.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well Jaya.. long time, no? :) Me was in a two month long workshop and took a blogging break.. nice to be back here :)
This laptop im typing on was made in China. This is the first Olympics i have watched, there have been loads of stars being made thanks, in part, to the Internet.I don't like the jingoism that occurs but that tends to be certain countries, everyone else seems to enjoy it as a world event.
ReplyDeleteOh it's true, the Chinese will focus, focus, focus and that is all they will do. Trust me, I have a Chinese student and aside from working me like a dog to cook dumplings his work ethic is astonishing. Always wants to be the best.
ReplyDeleteI used dope to get on the Olympic team. Didn't work, though.
ReplyDelete