"Reputation under attack"

WADA launches investigation into China affair

In focus: 23 Chinese swimmers(Bild: APA/AFP/Odd ANDERSEN)

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced that it will launch an independent investigation into the 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine. WADA came under fire because the athletes concerned were not punished. Swiss prosecutor Eric Cottier will lead the investigation and is expected to present the results within two months.

"WADA's integrity and reputation are under attack. We continue to reject the false allegations and are pleased to be able to put these issues in the hands of an experienced, respected and independent prosecutor," said WADA President Witold Banka. The swimmers from China had tested positive for the banned cardiac drug trimetazidine in early 2021. According to WADA, Chinese authorities had determined that the positive tests were due to contamination in a hotel kitchen, and the anti-doping agency did not initiate any new investigations as a result.

A team is now to be sent to China to evaluate the country's anti-doping program. Criticism has come from the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). "By calling this an independent investigation, the WADA leadership is trying to pull the wool over our eyes. The athletes of the world deserve a truly independent commission of inquiry with a wide-ranging scope of investigation, staffed by an independent athlete representative," said its head Travis Tygart.

Australia, which has also called for an investigation, welcomed the move. David Sharpe, the head of Sport Integrity Australia, hopes that the review will provide clarity and ensure that confidence in the anti-doping system is maintained.