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Paris Olympics: doping, fan culture and shallow pool among top 5 storylines at Games
- As with all sporting events, the athletes’ performances are just one element of an Olympics and this edition has been rich with narrative
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The Paris Olympics not only dazzled with world-class athleticism but also kept viewers on the edge of their seats with some captivating storylines.
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As with all sporting events, the athletes’ performances are just one element, and this year’s Games have been rich with narratives that transcend the sports themselves.
If you’re suffering from some sporting withdrawal, here are five storylines that defined the Paris Olympics to reminisce over.
Doping controversy
Tensions between China and the United States escalated after it was revealed 23 Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for a banned substance were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympics.
It meant Chinese swimmers were under the microscope throughout the Games – whether it was about their performances or the number of tests they had to undergo.
Pan Zhanle’s record-breaking victory in the men’s 100 metres freestyle set off a firestorm – his achievement deemed “not humanly possible” – and the swimmer triggered waves online by saying his opponents from the United States and Australia had been “disrespectful”.
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The China swim team later ended the United States’ dominance of the 4x100m medley relay to take gold, after Pan produced another stunning swim.
Slow pool
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