Adam Peaty sets up clash with arch rival who took aim at Olympic doping testers
Adam Peaty has set up a thrilling 100m breaststroke final at the Paris Olympics.
British swimming icon Adam Peaty has set up a showdown with arch rival Qin Haiyang in the 100m breaststroke final. Peaty is bidding for a third consecutive gold medal after scooping the top prizes in Rio and Tokyo.
The 29-year-old won his semi-final to provide hope that he will once again win gold. He made a statement of intent by qualifying fastest with a time of 58.86sec, slightly quicker than the American Nic Fink.
One of the main obstacles to a gold medal will be the Chinese swimmer Qin, who qualified in his semi-final with a time of 58.93s. The 25-year-old is the world-record holder for the 200m breaststroke and has made accusations regarding a “European and American plot” to unsettle China’s team.
The Chinese swimming team have faced increased levels of doping testing after a joint investigation by the New York Times and German television channel ARD revealed that 23 Chinese athletes, including Qin, had been allowed to compete at the 2021 Olympics despite testing positive for a banned substance.
Related articles
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had allegedly accepted China’s explanation that their hotel kitchen had been contaminated. However, the body insisted that it would increase its testing of the Chinese team in Paris.
Qin alleged, as per the Guardian: “This proves that the European and American teams feel threatened by the performances of the Chinese team in recent years.
“Some tricks aim to disrupt our preparation rhythm and destroy our psychological defence. But we are not afraid.
“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 sceptics.”
Peaty will hope to overcome that noise to win gold for Team GB. The final takes place tomorrow (Sunday) evening and Peaty believes he can perform better than he did in his semi-final.
“There’s a lot to work on still, technically,” he admitted. “It is really tough on that back end. I know this field has been a bit slower, all respect due. This is the way the Olympics work. It ain’t about a time, here it is about the races.”
“This sport is so testing, so testing, but you can’t beat that. I’m loving it again, so what else can you add except a chocolate cake?”
