Anti-doping body defends handling of elite Chinese swimmers who tested positive for banned drug

Global sport’s anti-doping watchdog has rejected allegations concerning mishandling of a 2021 case involving Chinese swimmers testing positive for a banned drug. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) responded to claims made by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) chief, stating that the allegations were false and defamatory. Earlier media reports revealed that 23 Chinese swimmers, some of whom won medals at the Tokyo Olympics, were cleared to continue competing despite testing positive. WADA confirmed its scientific investigation into the case and shared its findings with investigators. The China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) dismissed media reports as misleading, stating that the swimmers were inadvertently exposed to the substance. Tygart of USADA criticized WADA and CHINADA for their lack of transparency.