With 95 days until the Paris Olympics, the world of swimming has been rocked by controversy following a doping scandal involving Chinese swimmers ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The revelation that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive and the accusation made by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) against the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) stirred the global sports community.

On April 20, 2024, USADA officially accused WADA of sweeping the positive tests “under the carpet,” alleging a cover-up of the doping scandal. The delay in making these positive tests public until media reports surfaced has intensified public scrutiny of both WADA and the Chinese Swimming Federation. And now, to add to the stirring pot, Olympic stars such as Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, and others have broken their silence, voicing their support for USADA.

Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, and other swimming icons defend the USADA

On April 21, Michael Phelps shared a story by Allison Schmitt, who posted a statement issued by Travis Tygart, the CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, condemning the World Anti-Doping Agency. The heartfelt post read, “Our hearts ache for the athletes from the countries who were impacted by this potential cover-up and who may have lost podium moments, financial opportunities, and memories with family that can never be replaced.”

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In response, Allison shared her deep disappointment, stating, “It saddens me that the Olympic Games’ movement and the purity of competition are pushed aside for money and politics.” She emphasized how this controversy affected her not only as an Olympic medalist but also as an athlete and human being.

Allison ended her note with gratitude, saying, “Thank you, @USANTIDOPING, for supporting the proper protocols to ensure I compete against clean athletes in the U.S.” Similarly, Katie Ledecky took to her Instagram stories, sharing a post by USA Swimming that emphasized how American athletes follow strict anti-doping rules set by USADA.

The post highlighted how American athletes are tested regularly and how their everyday lives and training are impacted by strict testing, which deserves a safe and fair sport. Katie also posted another statement by USADA, in which Travis Tygart criticized WADA’s defense of allowing the Chinese athletes to compete.

USADA’s post read, “These are egregious failures, even if you buy their story that this was contamination and a potent drug ‘magically appeared’ in a kitchen and led to 23 positive tests of elite Chinese swimmers.” So, what was the World Anti-Doping Agency’s response to comments made by Travis Tygart, the CEO of the United States Anti-Doping Agency?

WADA’s response to the allegations

In a statement issued by WADA on April 20, 2024, WADA said that Tygart’s remarks were “outrageous, completely false and defamatory” They accused Tygart of making these comments with a political motive to undermine WADA’s work in protecting clean sport. WADA shared that, based on scientific evidence and intelligence gathered by anti-doping experts, they had no reason to challenge the explanation given by the Chinese swimmers about contamination.

They stand by the results of their scientific investigation and the work of their Intelligence and Investigations Department. USADA contacted WADA in 2023, claiming there was a cover-up involving the Chinese swimmers’ cases, but they couldn’t provide any evidence. Because of Tygart’s allegations, WADA says they have to involve their legal team to take further action. As we reflect on the unfolding drama, what is your take on this update? Chime in on the comments made by the USA Olympic swimmers below!