Michael Phelps Speaks Out About World Anti-Doping Agency's Inconsistent Rule Enforcement At Congressional Hearing

Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt, two of the U.S.'s most decorated swimmers, voiced their strong criticisms of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in a congressional hearing on Tuesday. 

They accused WADA of failing to enforce anti-doping rules consistently, particularly in a case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, argued that WADA's reforms have "fallen short," undermining the integrity of international sports. He stressed the need for accountability, saying, "As athletes, our faith can no longer be blindly placed in the World Anti-Doping Agency."

Schmitt echoed Phelps's sentiments, highlighting the frustration and disappointment felt by athletes who follow strict anti-doping protocols only to compete against those who might not. "If we win, let it be because we earned it. And if we lose, let it be because the competition was fair," she said.

WADA Critisised Over Handling Of Chinese Swimmers Doping Violation

WADA's handling of the Chinese swimmers' case has drawn significant scrutiny. The athletes tested positive for trimetazidine, a banned heart medication, but were allowed to compete in Tokyo, where some won medals. WADA attributed the positive tests to contaminated food, a conclusion that has been widely questioned.

Travis Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, also testified, calling WADA's actions "outrageous." He criticised the agency for accepting the contamination explanation without sufficient evidence and for not suspending the Chinese swimmers.

The U.S. lawmakers at the hearing were united in their criticism of WADA, particularly its refusal to testify before the committee. WADA stated that they did not want to testify in a “political debate before a U.S. congressional committee regarding a case from a different country, especially while an independent review into WADA's handling of the case is ongoing.” 

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., described this as "completely unacceptable," noting that the U.S. provided WADA with over $3 million in funding last year.

In response to the criticism, WADA announced an independent review of its handling of the Chinese swimmers' case. However, many remain sceptical about the agency's commitment to genuine reform. "It is not appropriate for anti-doping to be politicised in this way," WADA President Witold Bańka said, defending the agency's actions.

Athletes Unwilling To Trust Anti-Doping System Ahead Of Olympics

The controversy has had a lasting impact on athletes' trust in the anti-doping system. Schmitt recounted the disappointment of young athletes at recent U.S. Olympic trials, saying their confidence in fair competition had been shattered.

As the Paris Olympics approach, the issue remains a hot topic. Eleven of the Chinese swimmers who tested positive in 2021 are set to compete again, raising ongoing concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of WADA's anti-doping measures. 

Phelps concluded his testimony with a call for systemic change, urging Congress to leverage its influence to ensure WADA becomes a truly independent and effective organization. "Many of them will live with the 'what ifs' for the rest of their lives," he said, reflecting on the athletes affected by doping scandals.

Lawmakers have called for further investigations by the Department of Justice and the International Olympic Committee.