Chinese Swimmers Face Double Drug Testing for Paris Olympics

Chinese swimmers competing in the Paris Olympic Games will undergo double the standard drug testing, driven by concerns over doping protocols after revelations that 23 swimmers tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ) before the Tokyo Games but were cleared to participate. Despite their previous use of the banned substance, eleven swimmers who will compete in Paris have tested positive for it. This situation has raised concerns about the integrity of the anti-doping system and the fairness of the competition.

The World Aquatics governing body has acknowledged a loss of trust in the anti-doping system due to the handling of these cases. In response, the International Testing Agency (ITA) has committed to intensifying testing of Chinese athletes, aiming for eight tests per athlete between early 2024 and the start of the Paris Games. Efforts are also underway to ensure that independent authorities, not the China Anti-Doping Agency (Chinada), conduct the tests and that the analyses occur outside China.

This initiative responds to criticism from figures like Michael Phelps, who cast doubts on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) effectiveness in enforcing anti-doping policies. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) continues to express confidence in WADA’s capabilities. It urges stakeholders to support and respect the authority of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The heightened scrutiny highlights ongoing efforts to maintain fairness and integrity in Olympic competition, addressing concerns raised by past controversies and ensuring stringent anti-doping measures apply to all participating athletes.