The China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) on Tuesday expressed concern over perceived inconsistencies in the handling of doping cases, following a media report on American Olympic athlete Erriyon Knighton's suspected positive doping result.
In the CHINADA’s Statement on the U.S. Olympian Erriyon Knighton's Positive Test for Steroid, the agency noted that the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) attributed Knighton's positive result to contaminated meat consumption and allowed him to eventually represent the U.S. at the Paris Olympics.
However, when it comes to the contamination cases of the Chinese swimmers, USADA has shown a typical double standard by trying its best to clear American athletes on the one hand, but on the other hand accusing CHINADA and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) of "covering up the truth" and demanding sanctions against Chinese athletes while ignoring the repeated clarifications by WADA and the report by the Independent Prosecutor.
Since January, anti-doping organizations have tested each Chinese swimmer an average of 21 times, which is much higher compared to the average of six times for their American counterparts and four times for those from Australia.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Mark Adams, said earlier at a press conference that the Chinese swimming team has been "the most tested team" at the Paris Olympics -- adding that since this January, the team has undergone more than 600 tests. At the same time, Pau Gasol, an IOC member, believes that "there was absolutely nothing found in tests", and he is not sure whether the testing measures for Chinese swimmers are right or not.
China's Olympic debutant Pan Zhanle, who crowned 100-meter freestyle champion with a new world record also said he received 29 tests last year and never had a positive. Since this May till Aug 1, he received 21 tests and never had a positive.
Global netizens rallied to support the Olympic swimming champion Pan Zhanle. An American netizen showed his support for Pan, saying "I'm sorry about the tensions, and I just want you to know we all don't think like that."
US anti-doping agency displays double standard: CHINADA
US anti-doping agency displays double standard: CHINADA
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Brussels, Belgium on Monday in solidarity with workers from an Audi factory that is scheduled to close and to call for a support plan to maintain industrial jobs.
According to local police, 5,500 people took to the streets of the Belgian capital, with many gathering in Place du Luxembourg, a major public square adjacent to the European Parliament building, Espace Leopold.
The demonstration was prompted by Audi's decision to close its factory in the city's Forest neighborhood, where some 3,000 people are employed.
Many who turned out to protest wore union jackets, and local unions have also called for a strike day in solidarity with Audi workers.
Protesters emphasized, however, that grievances for working Belgians have been building up for years and the factory closure is only the latest in a slew of hardships.
"It was there a bit with COVID. Then it began with the war, and prices are getting higher from the materials and this makes it only more difficult for normal working people to buy, for example, a car. On the other hand, the demand is lower than before because of this reason, and this is something to think about. This is our signal to the government," said Alen, a protest organizer who wore the jacket of the General Confederation of Liberal Trade Unions of Belgium (ACLVB or CGSLB).
The situation is further complicated by the Russia-Ukraine crisis, with some protesters in Belgium noting that the influx of refugees is affecting local employment.
"All these issues, including the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the economic situation, are detrimental. Additionally, many workers are from Ukraine. The war benefits no one," said Pierre, a protester.
Belgian media have reported an increase in bankruptcies within the manufacturing sector as companies struggle to keep up with technological advancements. There are calls for the government to implement policies that improve workers' skills and protect high-quality employment and industry investment, avoiding the loss of European manufacturing.
"We hope to send a clear message that manufacturing in Europe is declining. Manufacturing must be sustained. Europe or any country should not rely solely on social welfare. Manufacturing has been moving outside Europe, and European politicians have not taken action," said Frank, an Audi factory employee.
Audi has announced that its Brussels factory will be reorganized in July this year. The facility has halted operations since September.
Thousands protest, unions call for strike amid Audi factory closure in Brussels
