With just months to go before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, 23 Chinese swimmers have tested positive for the banned drug TMZ. However, they were allowed to compete in the Olympics after the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) accepted Chinese authorities’ explanation that their hotel’s kitchen was contaminated.
The story came to light following a joint investigation by German television channel ARD and Deutsche Telekom. New York TimesIt sparked widespread criticism of WADA from senior anti-doping figures, with one calling the case “shocking” and another calling it a “devastating stab in the back for innocent athletes”.
Several Chinese swimmers subsequently won medals in Tokyo, including three gold medals. Many, including two-time gold medalist Zhang Yufei, are expected to challenge again at the Paris Olympics.
ARD and New York Times said they had seen a 61-page investigation report submitted by the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency to the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2021, which stated that they were found in range hoods, spice containers and the sewer of a hotel. TMZ traced the kitchen in Shijiazhuang, where the swimmers have been living.
Chinada also noted that the swimmers’ urine samples contained low concentrations of TMZ, a performance-enhancing heart drug, making it “impossible” to conclude intentional doping.according to New York Timeswhich did not explain how a prescription drug that was only available in pill form could contaminate the kitchen.
WADA confirmed it was not appealing the decision to expel the Chinese swimmer after reviewing the evidence. The company said its scientists or investigators were unable to conduct investigations on the ground in China “given the extreme restrictions in place” due to coronavirus-related lockdowns.
“WADA ultimately concluded that it could not refute the possibility that contamination was the source of TMZ and that it was consistent with the analytical data in the document,” it said.
“WADA has also concluded that, taking into account the specific circumstances of the alleged contamination, the athlete will be found to be free of fault or negligence. Therefore, based on the advice of external consultants, WADA does not consider that an appeal is necessary.
World Swimming, which is responsible for global swimming, also said it was confident that positive test results would be handled “diligently and professionally”.
However, sources said that international testing agencies and the United States Anti-Doping Agency have contacted WADA to express concerns about the way China’s test results are reported.
ARD said it had spoken to a whistleblower in China who told them: “The whole story about the contamination is like a fairy tale to me. None of the official explanations are credible.” Meanwhile, New York Times It said it had spoken to five independent anti-doping experts who found China’s findings “incredible.”
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Travis Tygart, the head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, said he has provided the World Anti-Doping Agency with several allegations of doping by the Chinese swimming team since 2020, and he also There was criticism of the handling of the case. “This appears to be a devastating blow to clean athletes and a deep betrayal of all athletes who play fair and play by the rules,” he said.
Meanwhile, David Howman, former director-general of the World Anti-Doping Agency and head of athletics integrity, said the case was “shocking”. He said: “What it immediately said to me is that maybe there is some form of planning in the sport to get swimmers ‘ready’ for the Tokyo Olympics.
“My concerns are very strong. You want the public to have confidence in your regulator. If you lose that confidence, then the regulator’s reputation starts to decline. If that happens, it will be very difficult for the regulators and regulators.” It’s a tragedy.
Olivier Rubin, senior scientific and medical director of WADA, insisted that the case had been thoroughly reviewed in June and July 2021. Pharmacokinetic and metabolic information to assess the plausibility of the proposed contamination scenario. “Ultimately, we concluded that there was no concrete basis to question the alleged contamination.”
Chinada and the Chinese Swimming Association did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
