WADA Conducts Independent Review into Chinese Swimmers Doping Case Amid Accusations of Cover-Up

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has commissioned an independent review into its handling of a doping case involving 23 Chinese swimmers following accusations that it covered up positive tests for heart medication at the Tokyo Olympics in 2019. WADA president, Witold Bańka, said that “the agency’s integrity and reputation is under attack” after members of the anti-doping community criticised its response to a New York Times report which revealed Chinese athletes were allowed to compete despite testing positive for trimetazidine in 2018. US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has accused WADA and Chinese officials of “sweeping these positives under the carpet”. Bańka said that while trimetazidine was detected at a hotel where athletes were staying, there is no evidence to suggest it involved any form of cheating. However, USADA remains sceptical stating its concerns with WADA’s investigation and calling for an independent review commission “with full access” to all relevant files related to the case which will be delivered within two months by Swiss prosecutor Eric Cottier.