Linna was barred from joining the competition after anti-doping results showed that she tested positive for a steroid precursor known as 19-noandrostenedione.

According to Xinhua news agency, this is the first steroid doping case reported in the prestigious competition.

The team’s action to withdraw from the competition is to show their determination in their fight against doping. According to their team leader Han Wei, they do not need any medals with doping. Wei added that their move highlights the whole team’s attitude to doping.

The Henan rowing team was disqualified from joining two rowing divisions namely, the lightweight double and the quadruple sculls competition.

China is determined to avoid any scandals and controversies associated with doping. Their determination was evident during the Beijing Olympics last year. They promised to implement a very tough punishment to those who cheat in this year’s National Games.

For the past years, the country has been subjected to numerous controversies such as major doping scandals, sabotage and on-court cheating.

However, provincial teams are most likely to be tempted in doping since their athlete’s performance could give them the promotion and the money they vie for.

From USA Today:

BEIJING (AP) — Henan province pulled its rowing teams out of China’s National Games after one of its members tested positive for steroids, state media reported Monday.