Australian has last laugh as controversial Chinese star bombs out, clams up
By Tom Decent
It is a well-known fact that Qin Haiyang, the Chinese swimmer who tested positive to a banned substance before the Tokyo Olympics but was allowed to compete, speaks perfect English.
At these Olympics, it’s only when it suits him.
A world champion and world record holder in the men’s 200-metre breaststroke, Qin bombed out in the semi-finals of his pet event on Tuesday evening in Paris before refusing to answer questions about why he has been caught twice with a banned substance in his system, albeit in small traces, but allowed to keep competing and not serve a provisional suspension.
The World Anti-Doping Agency accepted China’s version of events that Qin and other swimmers had their food contaminated in early 2021.
After his shock fifth place result in the second 200m breaststroke semi-final, which left him equal 10th overall and meant he missed a final he was widely expected to make, Qin walked through a media mixed zone and answered questions from Chinese media in Mandarin.
But when it came to a couple of hard questions in English – one from this masthead – Qin had no desire to answer, despite speaking the language fluently.
Chinese swimmer Qin Haiyang in Paris on Saturday.Credit: AP
Qin was asked if he felt unfairly treated by what has transpired in the months since news of his positive test was made public in April. Qin was subjected to 21 drug tests this year before the Olympics, including many more since arriving in Paris.
He claimed he could not understand the question.
Qin is clearly aggrieved, as a post on social media revealed last week.
“Some tricks aim to disrupt our preparation rhythm and destroy our psychological defence! But we are not afraid,” Qin wrote. “When you have a clear conscience, you do not fear slander. The team is currently preparing at the established pace. My teammates and I will resist the pressure and win more medals to silence the sceptic.”
Qin was given another opportunity to explain why traces of trimetazidine were found in his system – and those of 22 other Chinese swimmers – who ate food from the same kitchen where the team was staying before the Tokyo Olympics in early 2021. Trimetazidine is only available in pill form.
On Tuesday evening in Paris, a reporter from The New York Times fired away. “Would you like to address the two times that you have tested positive and give an explanation to that?” the reporter asked.
This time, Qin looked at a Chinese media official. Even members of the Chinese press shook their heads.
It was to be the last question as Qin was whisked away from the press.
Qin had plenty to say – in English – after he won world championship gold medals last year in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke. His fall at these Olympics has been as remarkable as his rise last year when he came from nowhere to stun the world.
In 2022, Qin was the 113th-ranked swimmer in the world in the men’s 200m breaststroke. The next year, he was a world champion.
Qin’s early exit – he also finished fourth in the 100m breaststroke – now leaves the door open for Australia’s Zac Stubblety-Cook, who lost his world record to the Chinese star last year, to make it back-to-back gold medals in the 200m breaststroke if he can beat France’s Leon Marchand, who looked in ominous form as the fastest qualifier.
The Australian, who has been outspoken on the issue of China’s swimmers, said before the Olympics: “Racing one of those athletes … was disappointing. The system ultimately feels like it’s failed, and that’s the truth.”
There was speculation Stubblety-Cook might protest if Qin won a gold medal at these Games, but that won’t happen now.
When an athlete swims their race at the Paris La Defense Arena, they snake their way through a long line of media before coming back towards the pool and then into change rooms.
Qin Haiyang celebrates his 2023 world championship win over Australia’s Zac Stubblety-Cook in the men’s 200m breaststroke.Credit: Getty Images
Most athletes keep walking but on Tuesday evening, Stubblety-Cook, who’d just won the first 200m breaststroke semi-final in a time of 2:08.57, stopped to watch Qin and Marchand.
One suspects Stubblety-Cook was pleased to see Qin miss the final, for a number of different reasons.
Stubblety-Cook was asked if he was surprised that Qin missed making the final.
“No comment,” said Stubblety-Cook with a big grin, before walking off.
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