A recent documentary from German broadcaster ARD, along with reports from the New York Times and News Corp, uncovered the situation where 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for the same banned substance months before the Tokyo Olympics.
Although the World Anti-Doping Agency and World Aquatics were informed at the time, the news was not publicly disclosed and the athletes did not face consequences.
So, what truly occurred and why were they not held accountable for doping?
Allegations of a cover-up
The 23 athletes had tested positive for a banned substance called trimetazidine (TMZ).
Although this drug is used to treat heart conditions, it is considered performance-enhancing due to its effects on physical endurance.
Sun Yang, a Chinese swimmer, had previously served a doping suspension for using TMZ in 2014, and Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva received a four-year ban after testing positive for the same substance at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
According to an investigation by the China Anti-Doping Agency, CHINADA, as highlighted in ARD’s documentary, traces of the banned substance were discovered in the hotel kitchen where the team was residing.
These traces were found in various areas such as the extractor fan, spice containers, and the drain.
Filmmaker Hajo Seppelt remarked, “That a doping pill ends up in whole or in part in a pot of soup, from there onto plates and then in the stomachs of athletes does indeed sound very contrived.” He also added, “The fact that the World Anti-Doping Agency does not want to challenge such a declaration casts a shadow on the credibility of the international anti-doping fight three months before the Olympic Games in Paris.”
Travis Tygart, the chief executive of USADA, accused WADA and CHINADA of a cover-up during an interview with ABC RN Breakfast.
He stated, “It’s terrible for the anti-doping system, and all WADA had to do when they were handed that report in June (2021) is do what the rules require.” He emphasized the importance of transparency and following proper procedures in such cases.
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