BEIJING: China’s President Xi Jinping on Tuesday ( Aug 20 ) hailed the Chinese Olympic delegation for maintaining high standards of “morality, style and cleanliness” in their pursuit of gold medals at the Paris Olympics.
His statement comes as Foreign swimmers are under renewed attention for cheating issues and increased government efforts to combat fan tradition in sports after fans used social media to criticize and spread rumors about the government’s Olympians.
At the Great Hall of the People, Xi lauded the players for their efforts, extraordinary skill and habits.
” On the field, ( Chinese Olympians ) obeyed the rules, respected the opponents… maintained good race discipline and civilized etiquette”, Xi said in his meeting with the athletes.
Since it was revealed in April that 23 rowers had tested positive for a prohibited heart medicines in 2021 but were still able to compete in the Tokyo Olympics that year, the Chinese swim group has come under increased attention.
Swimmer Pan Zhanle, who set a world record in the 100m slalom, disclosed that he underwent 21 cheating checks from May to July prior to the game.