Hospital camera footage helps Chinese world long jump champion escape doping ban

Wang Jianan competes at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, U.S. Photo by AP

Traces of terbutaline, a beta-2 agonist drug used to treat asthma, were found in Wang's sample taken on Nov. 1, 2024.

Wang claimed he accidentally inhaled a small amount of this substance while accompanying a family member who was receiving aerosol treatment, which disperses terbutaline as a fine mist, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) then provided the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) with unusual but convincing evidence: hospital security camera footage. The CCTV images showed the 29-year-old athlete standing in close proximity to his relative during the treatment.

An independent scientific expert concluded that the concentration of terbutaline found in Wang's sample was entirely consistent with passive inhalation, not intentional use.

After reviewing the investigation report, AIU said there is no reason to question the conclusion of CHINADA. The agency affirmed that Wang was not at fault or negligent, meaning he is exempt from any form of disciplinary action.

Wang, 29, is one of the most prominent figures in Chinese long jump. At the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, he won bronze with a length of 8.18m, becoming the first Asian athlete to reach the podium in the men's long jump at the tournament.

In 2022, Wang made his mark by winning the world championship in Eugene with a jump of 8.36m, becoming the first Chinese male athlete to win a world championship in a jumping event.

A two-time Asian Games gold medalist, Wang returned to compete in the qualifying round of the 15th National Games of China on Nov. 17 but did not reach the final.

On social media, the star athlete said he had surgery earlier this year and will continue to recover, aiming to make a strong comeback next season.