While WADA may have overlooked systematic doping among Chinese swimmers and left critical questions unanswered in Paris 2024 Olympics, this does not absolve World Aquatics of its responsibilities. World Aquatics must take decisive action to restore trust in the competitive environment.
Athletes of World Aquatics have arrived in Paris amidst lingering doubts about the integrity of the competitions, as expressed in the interviews and comments of various competitors. Michael Phelps, the renowned American swimmer with a total of 28 Olympic medals to his name, is among those who have voiced concerns. He stated, “It is clear to me that any attempts at reform within WADA have fallen short, and there are still deeply rooted, systemic problems that prove detrimental to the integrity of international sports and athletes’ right to fair competition, time and time again.”
Allison Schmitt, a member of the US team that narrowly missed out on gold to China in the 800 meters freestyle relay at the Tokyo Olympics, expressed her concerns: “We raced hard. We trained hard. We followed every protocol. We respected China’s performance and accepted our defeat. But now, learning that the Chinese relay included athletes who had not served a suspension, I look back with doubt. We may never know the truth, and that may haunt many of us for years.”
“To be racing some of these athletes”
In interviews with the media before traveling to Paris, seven-time Olympic medalist Katie Ledecky also expressed doubts about the fairness of the competition. She stated, “It’s hard going into Paris knowing that we’re going to be racing some of these athletes.”
A DARK CLOUD
British swimmers have also voiced their concerns about the current state of World Aquatics. Tom Dean, Olympic gold medalist in the 200 meters freestyle at the Tokyo Olympics, commented on the issue, stating, “I think if other countries aren’t living up to that standard, then it’s a real shame that brings a real dark cloud over what the Olympics is meant to stand for.”
Freya Colbert, the 400 meters medley world champion, said it was upsetting to see reports of other competitors not being tested rigorously. “I think it ruins the reliability of the results,” she added.
Australian three-time Olympic gold medalist Grant Hackett has also said he wouldn’t begrudge Australians wanting to protest at the upcoming Olympics in Paris in light of Chinese swimmers being cleared to compete after positive drug tests.
More than authorized voices have doubts, see shadows and do not consider this a very serious matter to be transparent so that a thick veil can be drawn and that’s it. This not only tarnishes China, it also tarnishes the Paris pool and all its Olympic Games.
