Two months before the Olympics are set to begin in Paris, the global agency responsible for policing doping in sports is facing a crisis as it fights off allegations of covering up positive tests of elite Chinese swimmers who competed and won medals at the last Summer Games. This has raised doubts about the credibility of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the entire system meant to ensure clean sports at the Olympics. Athletes are questioning whether WADA can be trusted to maintain a level playing field in Paris, where some Chinese swimmers are expected to win more medals.
Pressure on WADA has intensified, especially from the United States, one of its main funders. The Biden administration’s top drug official sent a letter demanding an independent commission to investigate the positive tests and an emergency meeting of WADA’s executive board. A congressional subcommittee is also looking into the matter.
Despite the growing concerns, major stakeholders like NBC, Visa, Airbnb, Coca-Cola, and Intel have remained silent. WADA has been criticized for failing to follow its own rules after 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned drug. The agency’s appointment of a special prosecutor to review the case has also been questioned due to potential conflicts of interest.
Athletes are calling for increased testing ahead of the Paris Games, but doubts about WADA’s credibility may persist. The revelations have evoked memories of past doping scandals, with athletes like Lilly King expressing concerns about competing against potentially cheating opponents.