The Biden administration’s top drug official, Rahul Gupta, has called for an independent investigation into the decision by Chinese and global antidoping authorities to clear 23 elite Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned drug before the Summer Olympics in 2021. The swimmers tested positive for a banned heart drug, trimetazidine, but were not suspended or publicly identified before the Tokyo Games, where they won three gold medals.
Dr. Gupta, who is also a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) executive committee, expressed concern over the handling of the positive tests and emphasized the need for rigorous, independent investigations to ensure a level playing field for athletes worldwide. The revelation of the positive tests and the lack of action against the swimmers has sparked outrage among Olympians and raised questions about a possible cover-up.
WADA officials defended their decision not to appeal the Chinese authorities’ clearance of the swimmers, citing the available evidence that would ultimately clear the athletes of any wrongdoing. However, they acknowledged that their protocols were not followed in this case, as no hearings were held with the affected swimmers to determine how the banned drug entered their systems.
The call for an investigation by Dr. Gupta comes as WADA faces scrutiny over its handling of the case, with other government officials, including Germany’s sports minister, also calling for an investigation. The upcoming meeting of sports ministers in Washington is expected to address the issue, with top WADA officials scheduled to attend.
The controversy surrounding the clearance of the Chinese swimmers highlights the ongoing challenges in the global antidoping system and the need for continued efforts to ensure fair competition in international athletic events. Dr. Gupta emphasized the importance of reforming and improving WADA’s operations to stay ahead of evolving threats and protect the integrity of sports worldwide.
