On 26/11, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced that Wang's test sample was positive for terbutaline, a substance prohibited in competition. However, the cause stemmed from passive exposure, not intentional cheating.

The conclusion followed a joint investigation with the China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA), which provided evidence described as "unusual but compelling".

Terbutaline is a beta-2 agonist medication, commonly used as a bronchodilator to relieve symptoms of asthma, shortness of breath, and bronchial spasms.

In medicine, this drug is available in oral, injectable, or nebulized forms. In sports, terbutaline is on WADA's list of prohibited substances without a valid prescription, as it can enhance respiratory capacity and athletic performance.

Wang Jianan won the men's long jump gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon, USA on 16/7/2022. Photo: Reuters

During an out-of-competition test on 1/11/2024, Wang was found to have a very small amount of terbutaline in his system. The day before, he had taken a family member to the hospital for nebulization treatment, where the medication is sprayed as a mist. Wang claimed he might have accidentally inhaled a small amount of the substance, but visual evidence was needed to prove it.

CHINADA subsequently provided the AIU with hospital security camera footage, showing the 29-year-old athlete standing close to his family member throughout the nebulization process. An independent scientific expert concluded that the terbutaline concentration in Wang's sample was entirely consistent with passive inhalation, not active use.

Upon reviewing the file and evaluating the data, the AIU stated there was no reason to doubt CHINADA's conclusion. The agency affirmed that Wang was not at fault or negligent, meaning he was exempt from all forms of disciplinary action.

Wang is a prominent figure in Chinese long jump. At the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, he won a bronze medal with a mark of 8,18 m, becoming the first Asian athlete to reach the podium in the men's long jump at the event.

In 2022, Wang made a splash by winning the world championship in Eugene with a jump of 8,36 m, becoming the first Chinese male track and field athlete to win a world title in a jumping event.

Wang, a two-time Asiad gold medalist, returned to compete in the qualifiers for the 15th Chinese National Games on 17/11 but did not reach the final. On social media, the 29-year-old athlete stated that he underwent surgery earlier this year and will continue his recovery, aiming for a strong comeback next season.

Hong Duy (according to Mundo Deportivo)