ADAM Peaty’s Chinese rival in Paris claimed drugs question marks over his team were a “plot” by European and American swimming.
Qin Haiyang, world record holder at the 200m breaststroke, is one of 11 members of the Chinese Paris team caught up in the doping scandal that has rocked the sport.
It emerged in May that 23 Chinese swimmers were cleared to qualify for the Tokyo Games despite failing tests for the banned heart medication trimertazidine (TMZ).
TMZ is listed as a “metabolic modulator” and is believed to help athletes with endurance during physical activity.
British, US and Aussie swimmers have voiced their anger that world anti-doping bosses accepted China’s claims that the 23 were innocent victims of a contaminated kitchen at the hotel they were staying in.
And Qin, 25, upped the ante as he blasted: “This proves that the European and American teams feel threatened by the performances of the Chinese team in recent years.
“Some tricks aim to disrupt our preparation rhythm and destroy our psychological defence! But we are not afraid.
“When you have a clear conscience, you do not fear slander. The team is currently preparing at the established pace.
“My team-mates and I will resist the pressure and win more medals to silence the sceptics.”
Qin will aim to dethrone Peaty when the 100m event starts tomorrow.
OLYMPICS FREE BETS – SIGN UP OFFERS AND DEAL FOR PARIS 2024
Peaty, 29, picked up three medals at the 2020 games in Tokyo, winning gold in the 100m breaststroke and 4x100m mixed medley.
While he also won silver in the 4x100m medley.
Men’s 100m Breaststroke
Mixed 4x100m medley relay
Men’s 4x100m medley relay
