Ye Shiwen, doping, etc.

The media frenzy surrounding the suspicion of Olympic gold medalist Ye Shiwen doping is unprecedented in terms of scale. The suspicion is primarily due to her mind-blowing performance in her last lap of the 400 meter individual medley. It was faster than the that of the gold medalist of the men’s equivalent – Ryan Lochte. Ye has passed drug tests before and after the competition.  No doping evidence has been found so far.

Suspicion of doping based on performance is not unusual. Dutch former swimmer Inge de Bruijn was suspected of doping after winning 3 gold medals all setting a new world record at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, but she has never been tested positive for drug use.

Anti-doping is a forever cat and mouse game. The mice keep getting smarter, and the cats have to keep trying to follow.  Passing drug tests does not necessarily mean someone is clean.  Marion Jones was the most decorated female track and field athlete, and was awarded the highest honor in track and field – Jesse Owens Award – three times.  Suspicion of her doping started in 1990s, and she always denied accusations vehemently until 2007 when she finally admitted her doping.  Like many other people who care for track and field, I was fooled by her passionate denial of all the accusations.  I still remember clearly what she said: “They could not find a shred of evidence…”  I thought she was unfairly treated then.  Her admission of guilt was due to the arrest of people who assisted her doping.  If these people had not been caught, Marion Jones would still be regarded as the most outstanding female track and field athlete in history and admired by many people.

Suspicions are good because they help boost scrutiny which is beneficial to sports.  However, athletes should also enjoy “innocent until proven guilty”.  Let us applaud Ye’s achievement unless any doping evidence is found.