Twenty-three Chinese swimmers failed drug tests for trimetazidine (TMZ) in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, but were still allowed to compete. The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) knew about the failed tests and accepted China’s explanation that the tests were contaminated. However, drugs officials in the United States have accused Wada of a cover-up. There is no evidence of systemic state-run doping in China, but the incident has raised questions about the integrity of the Olympic Games and the effectiveness of drug testing.
Results for: WADA
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has denied accusations of a cover-up in its investigation into Chinese swimmers testing positive for a banned heart drug. WADA President Witold Banka stated that the agency followed due process and investigated all lines of inquiry thoroughly. He also questioned the motives of USADA head Travis Tygart, who criticized WADA and the Chinese anti-doping body for allegedly suppressing positive tests. China has called the reports “fake news” and maintains that its swimmers ingested the drug unknowingly through contamination.
Portland Sea Dogs outfielder Matthew Lugo was named the Eastern League Player of the Week, while NFL veteran Matt Ryan announced his retirement. The New York Jets traded quarterback Zach Wilson to the Denver Broncos, and the Washington Commanders released defensive end Shaka Toney. The Brooklyn Nets hired Jordi Fernandez as their new coach, and the World Anti-Doping Agency stood by its decision to clear 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned heart medication.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has defended its decision to clear 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned heart medication before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, citing a thorough investigation and scientific evidence. The agency acknowledged questions raised by media reports but maintained that the swimmers’ samples were contaminated, as accepted by Chinese authorities. WADA emphasized its commitment to fair play and its pursuit of justice in anti-doping cases.
In the two years prior to WADA’s decision to clear 23 Chinese swimmers of doping violations, China made significant financial contributions to the agency’s programs. This pattern highlights China’s growing influence on WADA, while its relationship with the agency’s largest contributor, the United States, deteriorated. The documents indicate that the Chinese contributions were made voluntarily and with no expectation of special treatment. However, the timing and size of the contributions have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest.