Is Xu Jiayu Missing? Controversy Surrounding Paris Olympics Swimming
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Updated Aug 02, 2024
Is Xu Jiayu Missing?
China's swimmer Xu Jiayu was missing from the 200m backstroke event, even after displaying an amazing performance in the 100m backstroke event. People were surprised by his absence as China has been facing massive issues surrounding dope testing, and there were concerns if Jiayu was not be allowed to participate.
Xu Jiayu was the No. 6 seed with an entry time of 1:55.37 and was a no-show in the men’s 200m backstroke semifinals. Previously he has earned silver at the Paris Games in the 100m backstroke with a time of 52.32.
Source: Economic Times
Who is Xu Jiayu?
Xu Jiayu is a Chinese swimmer who specializes in the backstroke. Xu was born in Wenzhou, Zhejiang. His mother Yu Zhenzhen is a former swimmer who specialized in the butterfly. He has an elder sister named Xu Si. Xu started swimming at the age of 4 with his mother as his coach. Xu is an alumnus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
| Name | Xu Jiayu |
| Born | August 19, 1995 |
| Birthplace | Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China |
| Profession | Swimmer |
| Specialization | Backstroke |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Notable Achievements | Olympic silver medalist, World Champion |
| Olympic Participation | 2016 Rio Olympics, 2020 Tokyo Olympics |
| Olympic Medals | 1 Silver (2016 Rio) |
| World Championship Medals | Multiple Gold Medals |
Xu Jiayu Swimming Career
He is a Olympic Silver medalist (2016 Rio de Janeiro) and twice consecutive world champion (2017 Budapest and 2019 Gwangju) in 100 meters backstroke.
Xu competed for China at the 2012 Summer Olympics, and won silver medal in the 100 metre backstroke at the 2016 Summer Olympics. He has also won a silver medal in the 4x100 mixed medley at the Summer Olympics 2020 and silver medal in the 100 metre backstroke at 2024 Summer Olympics.
Olympic Swimmer Missing
Controversy has hit the men's 200m backstroke at the Paris Olympics as Chinese swimmer Xu Jiayu was missing in the semifinals. There has not been any official announcement regarding his absence. People are hoping for his comeback soon.
Xu Jiayu Career Best Times
Long course (50-meter pool)
| Event | Time | Meet | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 m backstroke | 24.38 | 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games | 25 September 2023 |
| 100 m backstroke | 51.86 | 2017 Chinese Championships | 12 April 2017 |
| 200 m backstroke | 1:53.99 | 2018 Asian Games | 23 August 2018 |
| 4 × 200 m freestyle relay | 7:04.74 | 2019 World Aquatics Championships | 26 July 2019 |
| 4 × 100 m medley relay | 3:27.01 | 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games | 26 September 2023 |
| 4 × 100 m mixed medley relay | 3:38.41 | 2020 Chinese Championships | 1 October 2020 |
Short course (25-meter pool)
| Event | Time | Meet | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 m backstroke | 22.70 | 2018 FINA Swimming World Cup | 3 November 2018 |
| 100 m backstroke | 48.88 | 2018 FINA Swimming World Cup | 11 November 2018 |
| 200 m backstroke | 1:48.32 | 2018 FINA Swimming World Cup | 9 November 2018 |
| 4 × 200 m freestyle relay | 6:47.53 | 2018 FINA World Swimming Championships | 14 December 2018 |
| 4×50m medley relay | 1:33.95 | 2016 FINA World Swimming Championships | 10 December 2016 |
| 4 × 100 m medley relay | 3:26.87 | 2016 FINA World Swimming Championships | 11 December 2016 |
| 4×50m mixed medley relay | 1:38.69 | 2018 FINA Swimming World Cup | 4 November 2018 |
