The evidence is only circumstantial. China has recruited sports doctors from the former East Germany the world’s worst doping violator–to develop its swimming and soccer programs. East German specialists might also have worked with the runners. Then there’s the uncanny speed of the track team’s rise. At the Barcelona Games last year, China’s women won just one medal–a bronze. Ma Junren, coach of the successful women, denies any East German connection. He credits his runner’s success to rigorous training and a special diet that includes traditional herbs and a mineral-rich potion made from the dong chong xia cao worm. “Some people say in order to win we have to use drugs,” Ma said last week." Well, they’re the ones on drugs."
Whatever the secret of their success, the Chinese aren’t likely to face disciplinary action until someone produces stronger support for the charges. Arne Lundqvist, head of the doping commission of the International Amateur Federation, track’s worldwide governing body, sees “absolutely no evidence” that China’s runners are using banned substances. Still, if Beijing is picked to host the 2000 Games, the drug charges could cast another cloud over its victory. Sometimes, it pays not to get so good so fast.
