PYEONGCHANG, Feb. 16 -- President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Sir Craig Reedie Friday gave all thumbs up to China's anti-doping efforts in the past two decades.
"I have been involved with WADA since 1999, there's always been cooperation with China. We've seen development in Chinese anti-doping agency, we've seen the development in the laboratory, and we've seen the importance of the issue. As far as I'm concerned, all of the people I speak to understand the problem, understand that it needs attention," said Reedie.
Recalling those years before the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, Reedie said "there was hardly any dope" from Chinese athletes. With four years out from the Beijing Winter Games, he believes that the Beijing 2022 will be a chance for China to enhance the standards of anti-doping.
"Yes, (I'm satisfied with China's anti-doping work) so far. I encourage them to keep the standard high, keep proceeding, and keep working. There will be an increased emphasis when you become an organizing country. There will be much attention on China for 2022. I am sure you will do it well.
"People in China clearly understand that nothing would be more disappointing than a positive test from Chinese athletes. China are now, again, organizers of the Winter Games in 2022. I am certain that much attention would be paid to the anti-doping program in the buildup to the Games. China will be looking after their own athletes in the buildup to 2022. There is clear understanding in China that clean sport is a good thing."
Asked about the effectiveness of the doping-fight system in China, Reedie said he "hardly ever see any problem". "I have nothing to complain at the moment," Reedie said.
According to Reedie, a good education program is the only way to solve the doping problem. "The Chinese athletes must take examinations in anti-doping rooms. if you do not do it, you are not selected for the Chinese team. I don't know any other country that does that. I think it's a good way to do it.
"We have been here since 1999, we should not be afraid to review our process and improve them. It's really encouraging that China wants to play a major part in the process."