Chinese swimmers will be under scrutiny at the Paris Olympics after positive doping tests revealed

Few athletes will be under as much scrutiny at the Paris Olympics as the swimmers from China.

Revelations that nearly two dozen elite Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned substance ahead of the Tokyo Games — and were allowed to compete with no ramifications — have raised major concerns from the rest of the world about the seriousness of anti-doping efforts in a sport that has endured its share of scandals over the decades.

From the East German’s systematic, state-sponsored program of the 1970s and ‘80s to a previous Chinese doping ring in the 1990s to questions over one-and-done Irish star Michelle Smith at the Atlanta Olympics to positive tests among Russian swimmers, this all feels familiar to those who’ve been paying attention to the pool for a while.

“There are cheaters all around the world. There’s no doubt in my mind,” said 1984 Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines, now a commentator for NBC Sports. “When it becomes systemic, that’s a whole different issue.”