China’s long jump star Wang Jianan has been officially cleared of any doping violations following a detailed review involving hospital CCTV footage and patient records. The 29-year-old athlete, who made history as the first Asian man to claim World Championship gold in the long jump with an 8.36m leap in Oregon in 2022, had faced a potential suspension after testing positive for a banned substance in November 2024.

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Doping Test Controversy

The out-of-competition test detected terbutaline, a substance commonly used in asthma treatment to prevent and manage breathing difficulties. Terbutaline is classified as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), raising immediate concerns about Wang’s eligibility.

However, the China Anti-Doping Agency (Chinada) conducted a thorough investigation and concluded that Wang had not intentionally ingested the drug. According to Chinada, the trace amounts of terbutaline were the result of passive inhalation while Wang accompanied a relative receiving nebuliser treatment at a hospital.

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AIU Review Confirms No Fault

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) independently reviewed the case, including CCTV footage and hospital patient records. Their investigation confirmed the timeline and movements of Wang prior to the test. They also consulted an independent scientific expert, who determined that “a passive transfer of the substance to the athlete could not be excluded.”

The AIU concluded that the documents and CCTV footage provided by Chinada were authentic and credible, ultimately supporting the decision that Wang bore no fault or negligence for the positive test. As a result, Wang will face no ban and remains eligible to compete internationally.

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Wang Jianan’s Career and Legacy

Wang Jianan’s career has been a source of pride for Chinese athletics. His gold medal at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon was a historic moment, making him the first Asian male long jumper to achieve this feat. Despite the doping scare, Wang’s reputation and standing in the sport remain intact following the thorough review.

The case highlights the importance of transparent investigations and the use of evidence such as CCTV footage to protect athletes from unintentional anti-doping violations. Wang’s exoneration serves as a positive precedent for future cases where passive exposure to banned substances may occur.