China’s checkered past when it comes to doping, coupled with some more recent positive tests, puts the country on an increasingly unstable footing on the global sporting stage.
One of the least heralded performances by a Chinese athlete at the Rio Olympics might just turn out to be one of the most significant.
While swimmer Fu Yuanhui became one of the stars of the Games with her refreshing post-race interviews, another backstroker, Liu Yaxin, finished 7th in the final of the 200m backstroke. But it was her performance in the semi-finals that raised eyebrows.
Eye-opening splits
Her 50m splits were 30.81, 32.53, 32.52 and 31.70 for a total time of 2:07.56, good enough for Liu (right) to finish second in her semi, fourth fastest overall.