Britain and Australia urge WADA to conduct a review following controversy involving China

The anti-doping authorities of Britain and Australia have raised concerns over the handling of failed drug tests in Chinese swimming by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), calling for a review of its processes.

WADA recently confirmed that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ) before the Tokyo Games. However, China’s anti-doping agency cleared the swimmers of wrongdoing, attributing the positive tests to contamination from their hotel kitchen.

Both UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) have urged WADA to initiate an independent review of its regulatory framework and processes in light of this controversial case. They emphasized the importance of restoring trust and confidence in the global anti-doping system to protect clean athletes.

The case has struck a chord in Australia, where freestyle specialist Shayna Jack was banned for four years after failing a drug test due to a contaminated supplement. Jack’s suspension was later reduced to two years after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has also called for an independent prosecutor to review the case of the Chinese swimmers. WADA, however, has defended its handling of the situation, stating that it had no evidence to challenge China’s findings and received legal advice against appealing them.

The calls for a review highlight the importance of maintaining integrity in sports and ensuring a level playing field for all athletes.