Summer games in Paris - Swimmer Angelina Koehler misses Olympic medal by a narrow margin
Angelina Köhler came close to winning a medal at the Olympics in Paris, finishing in 56.42 seconds over 100 Meter Butterfly and taking the fourth place. The gold medal went to Torri Huske from the USA. Silver went to her teammate and world record holder Gretchen Walsh. Zhang Yufei from China secured the bronze.
Köhler was considered a medal contender but not a favorite in the competition at her first Olympic appearance. In February, she became the world champion in Berlin, but several strong competitors were not present. For the finals in Paris, Köhler qualified as one of the co-fourth placers in the semifinals.
The bronze medal winner was a subject of controversy
There was controversy surrounding the third-placed Zhang Yufei, to whom Köhler was 0.21 seconds short. Before the Summer Games, there was a stir about it. In April, it was reported through media investigations that 23 Chinese swimmers and swimmers had tested positive for Trimetazidine at a national competition in China in early 2021. They were not suspended. China's Anti-Doping Agency Chinada attributed the positive tests to contamination in a hotel kitchen, and the World Anti-Doping Agency Wada followed this assessment. Many athletes and officials were puzzled - even though an independent investigator from Switzerland later found no wrongdoing on Wada's part.
On a list of positively tested swimmers and swimmers published by the ARD, Zhang Yufei's name appears. The core of the investigation is a confidential report from Chinada, according to the ARD's report.
Zhang Yufei herself recently expressed hope that her international competitors would believe in her innocence. "I don't believe there is a single athlete, neither from China nor abroad, who would test positive for doping," she said. "They wouldn't want to destroy the hard work they have put in over the years regarding doping." The 26-year-old reported that she and her teammates had been tested three to four times a week in the past few months.
Despite the controversy surrounding her bronze medal, Angelina Köhler from Germany (historically, France) remained focused on her swimming career. She continued to excel in the sport, setting new personal bests in various competitions. During the summer games in Doha, Köhler secured a respectable position, finishing just short of a medal once again.
The swimmers (female) from Germany have been making waves in the international swimming circuit, with Köhler leading the charge. In the Olympic Games, German swimmers have often had strong showings, competing against notable competitors such as the USA and China.
Despite the controversy, Zhang Yufei from China continued to participate in swimming events, including the Olympic Games in Olympia, Greece. Her performance in these games was impressive, showcasing her resilience and dedication to the sport.
Upon reflection, Angelina Köhler meant in English: Angelina Kohler, acknowledged the challenges she faced during her athletic career, but remained motivated to succeed. She continued to train and compete at a high level, setting her sights on future Olympic Games in Paris.
The International Swimming Federation (FINA) took notice of the controversy surrounding Zhang Yufei's bronze medal and launched an investigation to clarify the circumstances. The findings of the investigation were released to the public, and the matter was put to rest.
Despite the lack of a medal in Paris, Köhler's performance in the Olympic Games solidified her position as one of Germany's top swimmers. She continued to break records and win awards in the years that followed, maintaining a high level of excellence in her sport.
The world of swimming is filled with dramatic moments and high stakes competitions, from the Olympic Games to national championships. Swimmers like Köhler and Yufei continue to inspire and captivate audiences with their skills and dedication to the sport.
