The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is set to initiate an independent review following the clearance of 23 Chinese swimmers to participate in the Tokyo Olympics, despite testing positive for a prohibited substance.
WADA has stated that it cannot refute the claim from the China Anti-Doping Agency (Chinada) that contamination was the cause of the presence of the heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ), for which the swimmers tested positive.
The results of the investigation, headed by Swiss prosecutor Eric Cottier, are anticipated to be reported within two months.
“Wada’s integrity and reputation is under attack,” said Wada president Witold Banka.
“Wada has been unfairly accused of bias in favour of China by not appealing the Chinada case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“We continue to reject the false accusations and we are pleased to be able to put these questions into the hands of an experienced, respected and independent prosecutor.”
United States Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) chief executive Travis Tygart said Wada and Chinada had “swept these positives under the carpet” – claims Wada described as “completely false and defamatory” while adding that it had referred the comments to its lawyers.
Aquatics GB expressed “extreme concern” regarding the allegations about the positive tests, noting the potential for “loss of trust and reputational damage to sport.”
WADA was informed of Chinada’s decision in June 2021, before the delayed Games, and stated it had no evidence to dispute China’s findings. Furthermore, external counsel recommended against filing an appeal.
Alongside the independent investigation, WADA announced plans to dispatch a compliance audit team to evaluate the effectiveness of China’s anti-doping program. They will also invite independent auditors from the wider anti-doping community to participate in this assessment.
Usada criticised Wada’s latest step on Thursday, calling it a “circle the wagons exercise to protect the system”.
Wada director general Olivier Niggli said: “While not one shred of evidence has been presented to support any of the allegations made against Wada, we wish to deal with the matter as quickly and as comprehensively as possible so that the matter is appropriately handled in advance of the upcoming Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Details of the positive tests were revealed by the New York Times,, external which shared reporting with German broadcaster ARD.
China won six swimming medals at the Tokyo Olympics, including three golds.