The World Anti-Doping Agency expressed disappointment upon hearing that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance in 2021 but were still allowed to compete.
The Associated Press reported that U.S. investigators have initiated a probe and summoned a top official from the International Swimming Federation to testify. This investigation could mark a significant use of a U.S. federal law passed in 2020, which enables probes into suspected doping schemes regardless of where they occur.
In a statement, WADA noted that they have not yet been contacted or requested to participate by U.S. law enforcement. Earlier, a U.S. House Committee had urged the Justice Department and the FBI to look into the case under the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act of 2020, named after a whistleblower who exposed doping in Russian sports.
WADA also acknowledged concerns within the global community regarding the scope of the Rodchenkov law, particularly its potential for extraterritorial application by U.S. federal agencies. Both WADA and the International Olympic Committee have raised apprehensions about this legislation.
The 23 swimmers from China tested positive for a prohibited heart medication in January 2021 but were permitted to continue competing. Several of them went on to win medals at the Tokyo Olympics later that year, and eleven are part of the Chinese swimming team set for the Paris Olympics.
