China's anti-doping agency, CHINADA, has called for increased testing of American athletes, alleging that the United States is hiding "systemic" doping violations. This comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations, both dominant in the Olympic medals race.
The conflict began in April when an investigation revealed that 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned substance before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics but were allowed to compete. Chinese authorities argued the positive results were due to contaminated food, an explanation accepted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), leading to no punishments.
The findings led to significant backlash against WADA, particularly from the United States, which accused the organization of covering up the issue, angering China.
On Thursday, CHINADA responded, suggesting a "systemic doping problem" in American track and field. They pointed to the case of American sprinter Erriyon Knighton, who tested positive for a banned substance in March. Knighton was cleared to compete in Paris after an independent arbitrator attributed the result to contaminated meat.
Knighton is set to compete in the Olympic 200m final on Thursday.
CHINADA questioned why the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) had not detected more positive tests for the steroid, commonly used in livestock, among American athletes or issued warnings about contamination risks.
CHINADA called for increased testing of US track and field athletes, alleging "deep-rooted issues in US athletics" and USADA's failure to follow proper procedures and standards.
However, CHINADA did not provide evidence of current American athletes failing doping tests at the Games.
The United States leads the Olympic medals table with 27 golds, closely followed by China with 25.
Despite the controversy, China named 11 swimmers involved in the doping scandal to their Paris Olympics team. These swimmers contributed to China’s total of 12 medals in swimming: two gold, three silver, and seven bronze.
In June, CHINADA stated it would "never" comply with the US demand to disclose details of its investigation into the 23 swimmers.
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