According to ESPN NEWS, 311 urine specimens and 51 blood test were taken in Shanghai at swimming's world championships. They all checked out. No one cheated...according to the screening process.
EPSN cited the Cesar Cielo doping drama, noting that he had recently been cleared to swim by the Court of Arbitration for Sport after testing positive at a swimming competition in Rio in May.
Cesar, competing clean at world championships, won two gold medals.
He was criticized for his familiar and entertaining celebration at the end of each win; climbing onto the lane line, thrusting his arms to the crowd, wailing in victory. Normally Cesar doesn't shed a tear until the medal ceremony, but he did during his passionate celebration in the pool. Some swimmers and fans felt it hit a false note, was forced, insincere.
Many of my friends--whose opinions I respect--still believe Cesar should have been hit with a heavy penalty for his positive test in May. I can't believe it. Aside from the Court of Arbitration's ruling, I felt in my gut that the situation was a fluke, a terribly unfortunate accident. Whether my friends are correct or I am, Cesar will be carrying the stigma of that positive test into the 2012 London Olympics next year.
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