More embarrassment for Chinese swimming as details of another doping suspension are revealed ... months after ban is served

The beleaguered China Swimming Association was hit by a further doping scandal this week after the nine-month suspension of a top female swimmer came to light months after her suspension was already served.

Freestyle specialist Qiu Yuhan, a double 2014 Youth Olympic gold medallist and London Games representative, was banned by the China Anti-Doping Agency (Chinada) in May 2016.

A report on the official Chinada website said the 18-year-old, at that time a member of the national squad, tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide during an out-of-competition examination. The substance is banned by Wada as a diuretic and masking agent.

However, the announcement was only made on the agency’s website on Wednesday, months after Qiu had already served her suspension.

Scathing netizens commented on the Sina sports website that this type of news announcement was “full of Chinese characteristics”, while another suggested there were suspicions last year when Qiu failed to make the Rio Olympic squad.

Qiu, from Liaoning province, took part in the Rio Games selection trial last April, finishing second in the 200 metres freestyle and fourth in the 100m freestyle. But she never made it to Brazil and the reason is now known.