Japanese athletes in Athens Olympics

[chengdude]

C'mon Quest, Russia a "swimming super power??" Look at the history of swimming medals and the only "super powers" you'll identify are Australia, the US, and East Germany. Aleksandr Popov was the only Russian swimming superstar, having medaled in 3 Olympics.

From 1972-2004:

China: 44 swimmers positive for doping (caught internationally and by China's own testing)...two were caught twice.

USA: 15 swimmers positive

Russia: 10 swimmers positive

England: 8 swimmers positive

Australia: 5 swimmers positive

(Oddly missing from this list I found are East German swimmers, who probably would equal or exceed China)

As you said, "yadda yadda..." especially as China has effectively admitted to the problem and committed to running a clean program, the effects of which have been felt since the 2000 Games (zero medals). Maybe by Beijing 2008, a cycle of new talent will have been brought along and China can again challenge the US-Australia juggernaut.

[Quest]

you are right chengdude, my bad . I made that post too quickly after I saw 俄国-昔日的水上霸主 in a Chinese forum. I just translated that post without checking the facts first. I guess the person meant aquatics not just swimming.

This page has all the info: http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0114335.html