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≡ CHINA CHIMES IN ≡
The World Anti-Doping Agency has been battered from multiple sides for its handling – or lack of action – of a mass doping positive of 23 top-level Chinese swimmers in January 2021 at a national competition. No sanctions were imposed, as WADA did not appeal the claim of the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) that contaminated food was responsible for the presence of the heart medication trimetazidine in 28 samples.
The incident only came to light in 2024 via the German ARD channel’s anti-doping team, which then triggered a storm of protest, most especially from the U.S., led by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and chief executive Travis Tygart.
Beyond a continuous stream of harsh comments and news releases on multiple sides, including a June 2024 U.S. House sub-committee hearing that included American Olympic swimming stars Michael Phelps and Alison Schmitt lambasting the agency. The International Olympic Committee was so irritated with the USADA attacks on WADA it inserted language into the Olympic Host Contract with the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games for the 2034 Winter Games that stated the hosting rights could be terminated for challenges to WADA’s authority.
The U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy withheld the U.S. dues for 2024 of $3.625 million.
In the meantime, WADA President Witold Banka (POL) and Vice President Yang Yang (CHN) were elected to a third term from 2026-28, running unopposed, on 29 May.
But nothing has slowed the harsh rhetoric. USADA posted on X:
“With this election, WADA has pulled the ultimate ‘bait and switch’, first promising governance reforms following the Russian anti-doping scandal and then quietly changing the rules the second the world looked away. Not only did WADA agree to an unprecedented third term for the current government/sport-appointed WADA President and Vice President, but it has made a mockery of meaningful independence by further protecting the incumbents, using sport to block a viable candidate and turning the election into a coronation.”
Banka shot back:
“If we talk about the U.S., I would say that we are open to cooperation, including with the White House authorities. We have repeatedly said that we must work hand-in-hand in the interests of American athletes, but it is difficult to work with Tygart. It is difficult to cooperate with someone whose goal is to attack WADA.”
In the middle of all this, the pro-doping Enhanced Games was announced on 21 May in Las Vegas, to take place there from 21-24 May in 2026.
So, now, the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency has added its voice once again, always supporting WADA – remember Yang is Vice President – and now challenging USADA to shut down the Enhanced Games:
● “It is worth noting that the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s (USADA) response since the release of the plan reveals its weakness in the face of powerful interest groups and wealthy sponsors. In fact, rather than taking effective actions against those attempting to hold the Enhanced Games in the United States, USADA has used its dissatisfaction with the anti-doping system as an excuse to challenge the well-functioning world anti-doping order built by the joint efforts of the anti-doping community and undermine the global anti-doping governance system, which was designed to protect clean athletes worldwide in a fair and consistent manner.”
● “We strongly urge USADA to follow the Code and International Standards and take decisive measures to oppose the Games; to refrain from hegemonic actions under the pretext of reforming the global anti-doping system; to cease sowing discord, fanning the flames, and escalating tensions; to stop exerting pressure and issuing threats under the guise of so-called legal means, and to put an end to the arbitrary application of long-arm jurisdiction.”
This is, of course, pure propaganda, as USADA posted a home page splash about the Enhanced Games a week before the announcement of the event (pictured above) – and it’s still there – and has a lengthy post which warns against the Enhanced Games, noting
“First and foremost, much of what the Enhanced Games are championing is potentially dangerous in both the short and long term.”
And it goes on from there.
However, the Chinese aren’t likely to get in the next word.
A Senate Consumer Protection Subcommittee hearing titled “WADA Shame: Swimming in Denial Over Chinese Doping” was scheduled for 22 May, led by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), who has been a close watcher of Chinese activities in the U.S. and elsewhere.
The hearing was postponed, but Blackburn minced no words in the announcement:
“The World Anti-Doping Agency has allowed Communist China and Russia to lie, cheat, and steal, putting American athletes at risk. When Congress used its oversight authority to investigate WADA’s blatant corruption, they acted like they were above the law. When the federal government investigated WADA’s inaction, they tried to strongarm the United States and threaten our hosting of the Salt Lake City Games.
“As one of the largest financial contributors to WADA, the United Sates deserves answers. My colleagues and I refuse to be silenced in our mission to make certain WADA does not turn a blind eye to corruption. There must be real oversight and accountability at WADA, and this hearing will move us one step closer to ensuring fair competition for all athletes.”
Scheduled to testify were Tygart, Dr. Raul Gupta, the former head of the U.S. ONDCP, Tokyo Olympic relay silver medalist Katie McLaughlin and Prof. Dionne Koller from the University of Baltimore, who was the Co-Chair of the Commission on the State of the U.S. Olympics and Paralympics, whose report was released in 2024.
The hearing will be held eventually and having the U.S. withhold its dues will not shut down WADA in any significant way, but it will be able to do less, with less money.
Is there a possibility of resolution?
None in sight, at least at present.
¶
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