London, England: The President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, Liu Peng, looked back on a successful London Olympics at a closing press conference on Sunday, while fiercely criticising the cynics who believe China’s record-breaking performances in the swimming pool were due to doping. On the morning of the last day of the Games, Liu said that China’s medal haul of 38 gold, 27 silver and 22 bronze for a total of 87 medals to date was China’s best Olympic results outside the Beijing Olympics four years ago.

It was due to China’s “tremendous progress” since the opening up and reforms of 30 years ago, the support of the government at all levels and the dedication of the athletes, he said. But Liu, who is also China’s Sports Minister, had strong words for the “individuals and media” who have questioned the performance of the swimmers, who won five gold medals, including an individual medley double for 16-year-old Ye Shiwen and a middle-distance freestyle double for Sun Yang.

“We always observe WADA rules and regulations and are strongly against doping in sport,” he said. “So the individuals and media with prejudice making unfair accusations and unfounded guessing, gossip and rumours should blame themselves, recognise the facts and respect the dignity and reputation of the athletes. This is really unfair and groundless.”

Liu said that China had strict anti-doping laws and paid high attention to the issue. “We forbid and we condemn any misbehavior,” he stressed. On a brighter note, Liu said that 23 of the 38 gold medals to date had been won by first-time Olympians, highlighting the new generation and new blood of Chinese sport, and that Chinese athletes had broken six world records and six Olympic records.

But while they had been successful in traditional sports such as table tennis, badminton, diving and gymnastics, they still had a lot of ground to make up in track and field and in team ball sports. On the Games in general, Liu congratulated London on a “brilliant job” in providing excellent conditions for the athletes inside and outside the competition venues.

“We deeply felt the hospitality and friendship of the host country, and extend our great thanks to the IOC, LOCOG and all the Games-makers and volunteers, and also to the Chinese people for their warm support, encouragement and help to the Chinese delegation.”