US Anti-Doping Agency calls for Wada overhaul, probe into China swim doping; says questions not ‘satisfactorily answered’
- World Anti-Doping Agency continues to refute accusations it covered up Chinese swimmers testing positive for banned drug
- Usada called Wada’s inaction a ‘failure’ of the anti-doping system, wants an independent prosecutor appointed to review the case
The US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) called on Tuesday for an overhaul of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) and an independent investigation into Chinese swimmers testing positive before the Tokyo Olympics.
Wada continued on Tuesday to refute accusations from Usada chief Travis Tygart that it covered up 23 Chinese swimmers testing positive for prescription heart drug trimetazidine (TMZ), which can enhance performance.
Usada on Tuesday declared that no questions about Wada or China’s anti-doping agency (Chinada) were “satisfactorily answered” in Wada’s Monday news conference.
“The selective and self-serving application of the rules we heard about yesterday destroys public trust in the authenticity and value of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement,” the Usada release said.
“Learning that different rules can be applied to different countries sours the commitment of those who are vital to its ongoing viability, including the world’s best athletes, fans, sponsors and the next generation of athletes.”
Wada, however, said on Tuesday it stood by the decision not to challenge Chinada findings that the swimmers had unwittingly ingested the substance from food at a meet, a result accepted by World Aquatics that allowed the Chinese swimmers to compete in Tokyo.