The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has come under increasing scrutiny regarding its handling of Chinese swimmers testing positive for a banned substance in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics. The agency is now facing pressure to explain how these athletes escaped punishment, with some even going on to win gold medals.
Swiss prosecutor Eric Cottier’s report, examining whether anti-doping and swimming officials followed proper procedures, is expected to be released publicly on Tuesday. However, Tygart, in a message to U.S. athletes, expressed skepticism about the investigation, calling it a “self-serving check-the-box type of exercise.” He questioned the independence of the review, noting that the staff whose decisions are in question were also involved in setting its terms.
Tygart acknowledged their disappointment in WADA’s handling of the situation but expressed relief that an independent review was forced. He raised concerns about potential whitewash reports, citing similar past incidents in anti-doping and other sports movement situations.
While WADA has defended its actions, stating that it followed the anti-doping code and had no authority to impose provisional suspensions, they conceded that the Chinese doping officials could have managed the situation better. The New York Times revealed in April that 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), a medication for angina that increases blood flow to the heart.
The Chinese investigation cleared the swimmers, attributing the positive tests to inadvertent exposure through contamination. They claimed that the swimmers were staying at a hotel where traces of TMZ were found in the kitchen. WADA, lacking evidence to challenge these findings and advised by external counsel against appealing, accepted China’s conclusion.
Despite Tygart’s skepticism, the Cottier report may alleviate some criticism directed at WADA. Last week, WADA confirmed its awareness of the ongoing investigation by U.S. law enforcement into the matter. Additionally, a U.S. House of Representatives committee urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to initiate inquiries before the Paris Olympics, reflecting the seriousness of the Chinese doping cases.
Tygart emphasized his expectation for accountability, stating that if the Cottier report fails to provide satisfactory answers, the U.S.-backed investigation will uncover the truth. He highlighted the recent acknowledgment by the international swimming federation of a federal law enforcement probe into the situation.
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