Australian sports fans shared their opinions about the doping smears of Chinese swimmers.
Independent prosecutor Eric Cottier on July 9 released his report, ruling that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was not "biased" in the handling of a contamination case involving 23 Chinese swimmers.
WADA held an online extraordinary executive meeting on July 11 in Montreal discussing the interim report delivered by Cottier, regarding his review of WADA's handling of China Anti-Doping Agency(CHINADA)'s decision not to punish 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for the heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ) at a training camp seven months before the delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
"I reckon the independent umpire's probably done it well. He has gone through and thoroughly investigated everything. And if the Chinese say they haven't done anything and the anti-doping agency reckons they haven't done anything, I don't think there's any reason for the Australians to suspect any foul play going on here. I reckon it's a bit baseless. If they've been cleared for everything, there's no proper wrongdoing that they've done, then there's no real point in testing them extra if they haven't been convicted of anything. And it's innocent until proven guilty. So there's no real reason for them to be tested so much," said Southan Sidharth, a student in Melbourne.
Some Australians have commended the remarkable achievements of Chinese swimmers at the Paris Olympics and emphasized the importance of respecting WADA and the independent prosecutor.
The swimming events at the Paris 2024 Olympics have concluded, with 12 medals clinched by the Chinese team. Their outstanding performances have won admiration from spectators worldwide, but they were also met with persistent smears of doping.
Chinese swimmers competing in Paris have been tested an average of 13 times by World Aquatics since January 1, 2024, and an average of 21 times overall, including testing by other anti-doping organizations. During that same timeframe, the average number of tests taken by all aquatic competitors competing in Paris was only 3.4 times.
"I don't think it's fair for the athletes as they've done nothing wrong this year, and they've been trying their best, and I feel like they've been participating a lot better this year," said Arsh Kaur, another student.
"I think in these situations, initially, you have to trust the independence of that person. It might seem hard to take, but the outcome should be that suspicion will be removed in that regard. It's something that they should bear with, tolerate and get through," said Ron Brown, a project manager.
Australians shares view on doping controversy
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
