The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched a review into the handling of the case of 23 Chinese swimmers who were allowed to compete in the Tokyo Games despite testing positive for a banned substance. This move comes in response to criticism from key bodies representing US athletes who have called for a truly independent investigation into the matter.
World Aquatics has established a five-person anti-doping audit review committee to improve its understanding of the anti-doping review process and better equip itself for future challenges. The committee members are Miguel Cardenal, Ken Lalo, Annabelle Williams, Florent Manaudou, and Fernando Possenti. Their review and report are expected to be completed by next month.
The China Anti-Doping Agency (Chinada) had claimed that the swimmers unknowingly ingested a heart medication called trimetazidine (TMZ). However, this was refuted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), which was unable to provide any evidence to support Chinada’s claims.
The findings of an independent review led by Swiss prosecutor Eric Cottier are anticipated to be delivered within two months. Wada hopes that this process will help alleviate any doubts about the anti-doping movement and reassure athletes ahead of the Paris Olympic Games.
